University of Pittsburgh - Owl Yearbook (Pittsburgh, PA)

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Brought intact from Damascus, the Syria-Lebanon Room— built originally in 1782—was once the actual library of a wealthy merchant. Smallest of the Nationality Rooms it shows a mixture of European and Oriental art forms. Persian, Phoenician and Italian Renaissance designs are effectively muted by the flowing Arabic patterns. Unusual painted gesso decoration on the walls developed from the Byzantine influence in the Near East. The relief effect is achieved by applying a special chalk-paste to wood. When dry, the raised design is carved and skillfully painted with rich oranges, pinks and greens on a background of bronze and gold leaf accented with black. The vaulted niche is called the Mihrab. Of typical Moslem construction, this family altar points toward Mecca where Mohammed was born. Embossed wall-cabinets hold books, ceramics and brass-ware from Syria. The closed linden wood doors are shutters which in Syria keep out the intense heat of the sun but let in cool night air. The marble floor beneath the coffee table meets the marble of the built-in divans with their thick satin cushions. Lighting the room, a great chandelier holds cups once filled with Lebanon oil. In its color and exotic delicacy, the room is much like the luxurious interiors of centuries ago when knowledge was for the few and Europe was just awakening to the wonders of the East. 3

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THE VRIA-LEBANON ROOM 12

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THE ZECHOSLOVAK ROOM 14