Table c. 1800

This table was designed in the late 1700s by Friedrich Gilly, and is made of different materials including burl wood, iron, and gilded bronze. The table embodies Neoclassical ideals through its shapes and decoration. The tabletop has a grid of wood veneer in a variety of patterns, surrounded by black painted ironwork. Burl wood, with its complex, swirling grain, was used to construct the curving supports, and the black lyre shapes reference classical musical instruments. The gilded bronze elements add a touch of luxury to the object. But beyond these aesthetic considerations, the table is equally a product of labor, class, and consumption. The process of sourcing materials, shaping, carving, and joining materials to create a finished product is a testament to handcraft, and the social context from which it emerged. When we look at this table, understanding its materials and the ways it was made allows us to challenge traditional distinctions between design and craft.