The Real Deal

Exquisite hand-blocked wallpapers and stunning reproductions are available via a number of sources in today's market. However, there is no substitute for the pieces made during the authentic and original period. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the country's richest resources to view decorative arts in situ. From 17th century French and American rooms to the Temple of Dendur, the museum overflows with opportunities. The Van Rensselaer Room in the American wing reflects the property that occupied more than a half million acres on the Hudson River in New York. Extraordinary and extremely rare furniture by Townsend & Goddard commands the room that is blanketed in hand-blocked wallpaper made in Italy during the 17th and 18th centuries. For a visual feast, head to The Met and get lost in another century of spectacular decorative arts.