Marble and bronze table

Unknown

1st century CE · Marble and bronze · Greek and Roman Art

Rooms in Roman houses were largely devoid of furniture, and instead, much more emphasis was given to the display of works of art--mosaic floors, wall paintings, and freestanding bronze and marble sculpture. This unusual table with its elaborate bronze and marble support would certainly have been appropriate in such a context. It was probably used in the public part of a wealthy Roman’s villa or town house, such as the atrium (entrance hall), to exhibit a particularly fine work of art or a set of expensive metal or glass vessels. The bronze frame to the marble tabletop is richly decorated with silver and copper inlay, but as it stands today, much of the leg and base is restored.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1st century CE

Medium

Marble and bronze

Culture

Roman

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1906