Work and writing table 1757 - 1763

This "Work and writing table" was crafted by Laurent Rochette using kingwood, tulipwood, and gilded bronze. This table can be seen as an expression of elite culture, perhaps sometime in the eighteenth century. Rochette was a famous Parisian Ébéniste, which was a cabinet maker who worked with ebony. This was one of the most luxurious materials available. Rochette was part of a guild that regulated the production of furniture and other luxury goods. The marquetry and gilded bronze mounts suggest a culture of aristocratic consumption. While some may see this table as simply a decorative object, its significance extends beyond mere aesthetics. It reflects the social hierarchies and economic structures of its time. To understand this piece more fully, we can consult archival records such as guild membership lists and inventories of aristocratic households. These resources help us appreciate the complex social and institutional contexts in which art is made and consumed.