Console from the drawing room of the William H. Vanderbilt House 1879 - 1882

Editor: Here we have a console table designed by Herter Brothers, crafted between 1879 and 1882, which comes from the drawing room of the William H. Vanderbilt House. It incorporates marble, wood, gold, and mixed media, creating a rather opulent effect. What strikes me is how imposing the figures of the griffins make the piece; almost architectural. What do you make of it? Curator: Indeed, it's the layering of symbols which command attention. Notice how the griffins act as both support and symbolic guardians, creatures drawn from ancient mythologies. This melding of support and symbolism reinforces cultural memory and implies power and prestige. Why do you think they chose the griffin rather than another symbol, say, an eagle? Editor: Well, maybe because the griffin is more exotic, with that combination of lion and eagle… less overtly American. Curator: Precisely. The late 19th century witnessed America's Gilded Age, where wealthy families like the Vanderbilts sought to legitimize their status. Griffins, linking back to classical antiquity and heraldry, signaled cultivated taste and established lineage – even if newly acquired. What emotional associations do these mythic references bring to your mind? Editor: I think they evoke a sense of timelessness. The use of gold and marble adds to that feeling of enduring value, beyond mere financial worth. Curator: Exactly! Gold, universally associated with wealth and divinity, further elevates the console. And consider the mother-of-pearl inlays – subtle flashes of iridescence which contrast with the solidity of the carved wood and marble. In this light, would you still see it merely as furniture? Editor: No, I see how each carefully chosen symbol and material builds a narrative, less about function and more about projecting an image. Curator: And the stories these objects whisper shape our understanding of cultural aspirations, social identities, and historical contexts. This console serves as more than just a place to set a vase; it represents a potent symbol of a family's ascent. Editor: It's incredible how much history and cultural context can be embedded in a single object! I'll definitely look at decorative arts differently from now on.