For more on the Ca’ d’Zan, the Sarasota home of John and Mable Ringling, see this post. When I visited the Ca’ d’Zan for the first time, the upper floors were closed due to Covid – I just visited them last month.
Exterior
A brief photo-recap: this is the entrance gate for the Ca’ d’Zan and the Ringling Museum (posts here and here).
The main facade of the Ca d’Zan.
The terrace overlooking Sarasota Bay, which is protected by barrier islands from the Gulf of Mexico.
This is the dock off the terrace …
And this is a model of the yacht that was routinely anchored there, for the pleasure of the Ringlings and their guests.
Interior: first floor
The first floor centers on the great hall. The second-floor rooms open off the balcony.
Looking at Gilded Age mansions always makes me feel like I’m in a time warp … so many of the details percolate down to “routine” interior decor after a couple decades. I’ve seen imitations of this Venetian-glass mirror for sale on Wayfair.
Second floor: John Ringling’s suite
John Ringling’s suite is furnished in the Empire style, popularized during the reign of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte (1804-1815). Why two beds, when Mable has her own suite? I’m guessing that the beds were sold as a set, and Ringling didn’t want to split them up.
That gilded figure below the painting is a copy of an ancient sculpture, Sleeping Ariadne.
John had an office downstairs, and another one in his suite. That’s a man who’s serious about his work.
Bathroom: not too shabby. I’ve seen so many rip-offs of that Empire-style valet.
Next week: Mable Ringling’s suite and the second-floor guest bedrooms.
More
- If you like this sort of whirlwind tour of museums, hit the Museums tag to see more posts like this one.
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