Design for a (Silver?) Console Table

Anonymous, French, 18th century

ca. 1760–70 · Red chalk over graphite on laid paper · Drawings and Prints

Nature had always been an important source of inspiration for the design of patterns and decorations. In some periods and cultures plant motifs were kept close to their natural form when applied in this manner, whereas in others they were subject to various degrees of abstraction. During the Rococo period in particular, the larger part of ornament and interior design was inspired by organic and vegetal forms. Many different types of objects, such as brackets, chandeliers and decorative moldings were shaped like (parts of) plants. Although the degree to which this was done lessened from the second half of the 18th century onwards, the concept remained in use throughout the following centuries. This design shows a particularly literal idea of adapting nature to furniture in which the table leg seems to have sprung up from the earth to support its entablature. The materials in which the table would be executed would of course play an important role in the degree to which this sense of absolute naturalism was maintained.

Artist

Anonymous, French, 18th century

Date

ca. 1760–70

Medium

Red chalk over graphite on laid paper

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1960