Slab or Side Table c. 1735

This ornately carved side table, designed by English architect William Kent around 1735, showcases the elaborate Rococo style prevalent in the 18th century. The table's legs, carved in the form of stylized sea creatures emerging from swirling foliage, are a testament to the period's fascination with whimsical and asymmetrical forms. The table's top, crafted from a slab of marble, adds a touch of grandeur and complements the elaborate carving below. The table, now in the collection of The Art Institute of Chicago, is an excellent example of Kent's signature design aesthetic, which influenced furniture design and decorative arts throughout the mid-18th century.