O
nly a highly disciplined collector is able to
assemble true period rooms, to effectuate the convincing
transplant of a decorative moment in history rather
than a bricolage of desirable, but diverse things. Yet
here is such an accomplishment, aided by mastermind
decorator Robert Couturier. The surprise of it all is that
this important collection of 18th century French furniture,
18th century English and French silver and Fantin Latour
paintings—exquisitely solemn portraitist of the mid-19th
century bourgeoisie and of flowers—resides, not in Paris,
but in Brooklyn.
The owners of this newly built house on 17th Avenue were
inspired, in their travels, by another, earlier reincarnation
of the Petit Trianon, the Musee Nissim de Camondo in
Paris, built, not in the 18th century as it would appear,
but in 1911, by the Comte Moise de Camondo, a
banker, with architect Rene Sergent, as a repository for
his seminal collection of 18th century French furniture
and art objects. Along with one of the world's grandest
designers, Robert Couturier, these American collectors
HYLAND
