Console table c. 1769

This console table was designed by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, but its date of creation is unknown. The work presents a theatrical display of gilded wood, topped with a slab of mottled stone. The structure swells with elaborate forms; winged sphinxes support the weight of the table top. The table is an intersection of classical motifs and baroque dynamism. Piranesi was fascinated by Roman antiquity. Looking closely, you'll notice that the hybrid creatures evoke the grandeur of the past. The textured surface and asymmetrical design of the legs add a sense of movement. The form challenges the traditional concepts of stability. Instead, Piranesi offers a vision of metamorphosis, capturing the complex interplay between history and imagination. The gilded finish reflects light, giving the impression of a stage. The table becomes an imposing presence, blurring the lines between functional object and sculptural statement.