Image above: Venetian carved wooden chair, circa 1860s, $3600

I’ve decided that if I can’t be at the beach surrounded by shells, at least I can be looking at them. During the 18th century, there was a huge fashion for creating grottoes; it was an ode to Romans, who created the artificial caverns as places to seek the Muses. If you had the space and you were wealthy and living in the 18th century, a grotto in your garden was just the perfect touch — a little spot to delight garden visitors, and the perfect site for an impromptu party. Your grotto couldn’t be furnished with just any old piece of furniture; the furniture had to be as whimsical as the setting. Just looking at these chairs has me longing for an outdoor garden party, preferably one where someone is pouring me sparkling rosé. — Amy A.

Image above: Grotto-style silver gilt armchair, circa 1850, $12500

Image above: Pair of Venice grotto armchairs, 1860s, $1800

Image above: Wood-carved silver-painted grotto settee, 1920s, $8000

Image above: Pair of Italian Venetian silver gilt 19th-century grotto armchairs, $12500

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