Table 19th century

This gilded side table was crafted by Pierre Antoine Bellangé in France during the first quarter of the 19th century. It’s a striking example of the Empire style, popular under Napoleon, which drew heavily on classical antiquity. Note the table’s opulent materials and motifs: the marble top, the bronze figures of sphinxes and winged victories. These visual codes evoke power, luxury, and imperial glory. France at this time saw itself as the new Rome, heir to a tradition of military conquest and cultural achievement. Furniture like this wasn't just functional; it was a statement of political and economic dominance. Bellangé was one of the most famous producers of luxury furniture. His family workshop supplied the imperial household. To understand this table better, we might explore the patronage system that sustained artists like Bellangé. Researching primary sources, such as royal inventories, would reveal the table’s original context and how it functioned within a network of power and display. Art like this reflects the social structures of its time.