Dressing table c. 1808 - 1810

This dressing table was crafted by Carel Breytspraak around the turn of the 19th century. The object merges practical functionality with aesthetic refinement. Notice the interplay between geometric and organic forms. The rectangular marble top and octagonal mirror stand in contrast to the cabriole legs, adorned with gilded foliage. This tension creates a dynamic visual experience, reflecting broader intellectual currents of the time where reason and nature were often juxtaposed. The symmetry of the piece is carefully calibrated. The pull-out leaves on either side echo each other, yet the mirror is slightly off-center, disrupting perfect balance. This subtle asymmetry destabilizes fixed notions of beauty, hinting at the complexities beneath the surface of idealized forms. The materiality of the dressing table further enriches its meaning. The smooth marble, polished wood, and reflective mirror engage with the senses, inviting touch and reflection. These tactile qualities remind us that even in the age of reason, sensory experience remains central to our understanding of the world.