The excerpt on this cushion is from 'Spring' by Rosalba Carriera.  On view in the National Gallery, the original pastel is on blue paper, the artist having chosen blue paper as it was the thickest available, while its colour gave a chromatic vibrancy as a background to pastel pigments.   Venetian artist Rosalba Carriera’s work was in vogue among wealthy Grand Tourists during the 18th century. She was at the height of her fame when Joseph Leeson made his first trip to Venice as part of a Grand Tour in 1744. 

Inspired by Russborough's world-famous art, our collection of cushions mean you can now add a touch of artistic elegance and new conversation to your home.  Soft to the touch and with eco-fibre filling, these cushions showcase excerpts from 17th & 18th century art:

Russborough has been home to renowned art collections established by the 1st Earl of Milltown in the 18th century and Alfred Beit in the 19th. During the ten-year build of Russborough, Joseph Leeson, later 1st Earl of Milltown, undertook two Grand Tours to Italy. The purpose was to collect art and acquire sophistication and taste for his new residence. Throughout his life Sir Alfred Beit was also a keen collector of 18th and 19th century art as well as his inherited collection of old master paintings.

This extraordinary collection of paintings from both the Milltown and Beit were donated to the National Gallery of Ireland by Lady Geraldine Milltown in 1902 and by Sir Alfred and Lady Clementine in 1987 where they can be viewed today.