IN THE MUSEUMS
Small writing table – Louis XVI
Small rectangular table made with ebony veneering and adorned with chiselled, gilded bronze ornaments.
Stamped by Jean-Baptiste TUART. Circa 1780.
Donated Grog Carven,
Musée du Louvre, Paris.
This small table was made by Jean-Baptiste Tuart using ebony veneering. It is typical of the Louis XVI era, and rests on four legs. The top is made of Aleppo breche marble. There is also a front drawer with leather padding.
This is a very elegant table, which features gilded bronze ornaments that contrast with the ebony veneering. Understated pieces of marquetry were popular under the reign of Louis XVI: craftsmen would give pride of place to fine, understated lines.
Gilded bronze ornaments were used to enhance the structure of furniture pieces. This table boasts refined framing rods, delicate feet adorned with acanthus leaves, rings, and a rectangular frame around the marble top.
The frieze features flower garlands with knotted ribbons tied around them.
This table seems lightweight. The small wheels attached to the feet suggest that the table was regularly moved.
