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John RIngling's suite at the Ca' d'Zan (Ringling Mansion), Sarasota, FL. Photo copyright © 2024 Dianne L. Durante

Ca’ d’Zan, part 2: second floor

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).

Entrance of the Ca’ d’Zan (Ringling Mansion), Sarasota, FL. Photo copyright © 2024 Dianne L. Durante

The main facade of the Ca d’Zan.

Facade of the Ca’ d’Zan (Ringling Mansion), Sarasota, FL. Photo copyright © 2024 Dianne L. Durante

The terrace overlooking Sarasota Bay, which is protected by barrier islands from the Gulf of Mexico.

Terrace of the Ca’ d’Zan (Ringling Mansion), Sarasota, FL. Photo copyright © 2024 Dianne L. Durante

This is the dock off the terrace …

Dock of the Ca’ d’Zan (Ringling Mansion), Sarasota, FL. Photo copyright © 2024 Dianne L. Durante

And this is a model of the yacht that was routinely anchored there, for the pleasure of the Ringlings and their guests.

John Ringling’s yacht: model at Ca’ d’Zan (Ringling Mansion), Sarasota, FL. Photo copyright © 2024 Dianne L. Durante

Interior: first floor

The first floor centers on the great hall. The second-floor rooms open off the balcony.

Great hall of the Ca’ d’Zan (Ringling Mansion), Sarasota, FL. Photo copyright © 2024 Dianne L. Durante

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.

Venetian mirror in the ballroom of the Ca’ d’Zan (Ringling Mansion), Sarasota, FL. Photo copyright © 2024 Dianne L. Durante

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.

John Ringling’s suite at the Ca’ d’Zan (Ringling Mansion), Sarasota, FL. Photo copyright © 2024 Dianne L. Durante

That gilded figure below the painting is a copy of an ancient sculpture, Sleeping Ariadne.

John Ringling’s suite at the Ca’ d’Zan (Ringling Mansion), Sarasota, FL. Photo copyright © 2024 Dianne L. Durante
John Ringling’s suite at the Ca’ d’Zan (Ringling Mansion), Sarasota, FL. Photo copyright © 2024 Dianne L. Durante
John Ringling’s suite at the Ca’ d’Zan (Ringling Mansion), Sarasota, FL. Photo copyright © 2024 Dianne L. Durante

John had an office downstairs, and another one in his suite. That’s a man who’s serious about his work.

John Ringling’s suite at the Ca’ d’Zan (Ringling Mansion), Sarasota, FL. Photo copyright © 2024 Dianne L. Durante

Bathroom: not too shabby. I’ve seen so many rip-offs of that Empire-style valet.

John RIngling’s suite at the Ca’ d’Zan (Ringling Mansion), Sarasota, FL. Photo copyright © 2024 Dianne L. Durante

Next week: Mable Ringling’s suite and the second-floor guest bedrooms.

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