Elegant folding table in Dutch marquetry

An elegant folding table featuring marquetry of light and exotic woods set against a mahogany background, in the tradition of Dutch marquetry. Its rectangular top with rounded corners is extended by two side flaps, allowing its dimensions to be easily adapted to suit its intended use. When closed, it can serve as a side table or console table; when fully opened, it offers a generous surface area. The top features a particularly rich and symmetrical design. A large oval medallion occupies the centre, surrounded by foliage scrolls, flowering stems, butterflies, vases and large acanthus motifs. The four corners are adorned with stylised rosettes, whilst a fine geometric border frames the whole. Unusually, the entire table features this decorative motif. The apron displays, on both sides, two side-by-side drawers, one of which opens on each side. It rests on four curved legs joined by a turned crossbar. The legs, the apron and the crossbar are themselves embellished with flowering branches and decorative motifs in light-coloured wood. Small metal feet and castors complete the base.

Size: H 72 cm; width 58 cm; length when closed 84 cm; length when fully open 133.5 cm.

Holland, first half of the 19th century.

This table captivates with the richness of its decoration, the subtle contrasts between the different types of wood and the practical elegance of its folding-top mechanism.

Lit: Dutch marquetry experienced a remarkable boom in the 17th and 18th centuries. It involves cutting thin veneers from various types of wood and then assembling them on the surface of the piece of furniture to form decorative compositions. Dutch cabinetmakers were particularly fond of bouquets, vases of flowers, birds, butterflies, foliage and geometric ornaments. Seventeenth-century cabinets and tables already featured floral bouquets and elaborate geometric motifs; Jan van Mekeren ranks amongst the most renowned cabinetmakers of this tradition. These decorative motifs owe much to the interest in flowers and botany in the United Provinces, but also to the diversity of woods available through international trade. Through the contrast of colours, the direction of the grain and the precision of the cuts, the surface of the piece becomes a veritable painting in wood. This tradition continued into the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly on tables, chests of drawers, writing desks and folding-top cabinets. This table fully embodies this decorative style, with its central medallion, vases, floral scrolls, butterflies and abundant plant motifs.