Unknown Maker, Italian

The decoration of Loon Point, the Smith's Italianate villa on the shores of Dublin Lake in New Hampshire, was legendary for its combination of objects from different artistic periods and styles. From the Japanese garden to a Chinese dining room, the Smiths incorporated many inherited and collected objects assembled over the years on their travels around the world. As one approached the house, a large della Robbia plaque like this one was displayed prominently on the garden facade, with smaller della Robbia reliefs mounted on either side of the front door. Inside, one of the most sh·iking features was the della Robbia fireplace in the living room, a wedding present from Boston collector and museum benefactor William Sturgis Bigelow. The plaque on view was presented to RISD by Smith's wife and daughters in his memory.