A Biedermeier walnut centre table from Vienna, Austria c1820

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A Biedermeier walnut centre table from Vienna, Austria c1820

About the Item

A spectacular Biedermeier walnut centre table from Vienna, Austria c.1820. This table is an exceptional example of the lavish care expended on the highest quality furniture produced during the early nineteenth century in Austria. After the massive upheaval experienced by Europe at the end of the eighteenth century and the Revolution in France a new style of furniture was developed. Known as Empire in France the clean unadorned lines of this new style quickly gained popularity across the Continent. In Austria and Germany the style was transformed by the use of lighter coloured timber and a beautifully glossy and polished surface that highlighted the magnificent grain pattern of the wood. This period in the early nineteenth century also saw a movement of the population into cities and apartment living that was new and therefore demanded new furnishings to fit a new style of living. The public rooms in a home where the family spent time with loved ones and friends became a centre of activity where eating, reading, letter writing and socializing became daily activities. Most often these rooms were centred around a luxurious table such as this one pictured. The impressive silhouette was first visible upon entering the room as it was illuminated by the light from the windows as well as the light from a fire blazing in the hearth. The light colour and reflective surface magnified the reflection of light off of the table as well as providing a much greater level of contrast between the darker and lighter areas of the timber. The top surface of the table allowed the designers and artisans responsible for creating this table a large area to cover with superior quality material. Please use the zoom feature to scroll over the top of the table to see the intricate pattern of the grain and the artistry utilized in choosing not only the amazing walnut but also the ability to place it across the surface of the table in the most arresting fashion. There are twelve separate sections of walnut that create the pattern of a star on this table top. Because the grain moves from the palest colouration to a much deeper tone it is able to be manipulated in such a way as to create a geometric pattern out of organic shapes. The table top has a flat vertical edge that stands upon a recessed apron of the same circular shape as the top. The lowest edge of the apron is defined by a small beaded edge moulding that was chosen to give a finished edge to this rim. This finished appearance is accomplished by the change in profile and the way it captures the light as it moves along the edge. The base of the table showcases a superb eye for balance and scale. The tripartite base of the table stands upon the ground at three points with the most refined curve to the foot. The sides and top of the base are each sheathed in exceptionally grained walnut whose straight lined grain reinforces the horizontal and vertical planes of the base. In looking at the pedestal of the table the clear creative design genius of the table becomes abundantly evident. Please take a moment to use the zoom feature and trace the sides of the pedestal. The pedestal has the same three sided shape as the base but adds a further level of allure by making the three vertical edges rounded while the flat sides are actually concave in their shape. These beautifully smooth planes of walnut sweep across the entire pedestal and as they ascend to the top become more and more narrow. The profile of the pedestal is extraordinarily elegant and succeeds in drawing the eye to the curve of the top as it flows into the curves of the base and pedestal. To achieve this level of finish required an enormous amount of skill especially back in the early nineteenth century when the majority of the effort was by hand. The ability to ensure visual balance no matter from what direction the table was seen ensured that only the most talented were involved and the resulting table possesses as much desirability now in the twenty-first century as it did when it was new.

Dimensions:
Height: 30 in (76.2 cm)Width: 45 in (114.3 cm)Depth: 45 in (114.3 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Walnut
Place of Origin:
Austria
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
c.1820
Condition:
Seller Location:
Houston, TX
Reference Number:
Seller: DO21stDibs: U1203198668654