Stretcher from a console table from the Queen's bed chamber at Versailles 1725 - 1735

This gilded wood console table stretcher was crafted by Jules Degoullons for the Queen's bed chamber at Versailles. Note how cherubic figures abound, symbols of innocence and divine love. These putti, playful yet poised, echo ancient Roman depictions of Cupid and Psyche, embodying a fascination with classical antiquity. Observe the central shell motif—a symbol of Venus, goddess of love, and rebirth. This symbol has traversed time, appearing in Renaissance paintings and even earlier, in ancient Roman mosaics. Its presence here reflects a cyclical return to classical ideals, imbued with new, courtly meanings. The opulent gold leaf, shimmering in the light, speaks to a desire for splendor, reflecting the Sun King's ambition. Consider how these symbols create a sense of timelessness, connecting the court of Versailles to broader cultural memory, engaging the viewer on a subconscious level through shared visual language. The shell and the putti, archetypes of beauty and innocence, resurface through history, echoing and evolving with each era.