Center Table c. 1820

This wooden center table was made by Josef Danhauser in Austria, and it is an exquisite example of Biedermeier furniture. The Biedermeier style flourished in the early 19th century, reflecting the values of the growing middle class. This table presents an interesting set of social dynamics; on the one hand the clean lines, functionality and elegance of the style rejected the excesses of the aristocracy. On the other hand, this was furniture for a more intimate setting, not the salon but the private home. The table became the place to show off good taste to a more select group, a potent symbol of upward mobility. The key is to understand the historical context of the time, consulting pattern books and trade publications, to fully appreciate how this design both reflected and shaped the aspirations of a changing society. We can also better understand the public role of art in a changing world.