Walnut Table with Lion Sphinxes c. 16th century

This Walnut Table with Lion Sphinxes was made by an anonymous artist. Tables like this served a practical function, but they also served a social function: displaying the wealth and taste of their owners. To understand how the image creates meaning we must look at the lion sphinxes carved into the table’s legs which evoke ancient Egypt and Greece. The table may have been made in Europe during the Renaissance period, when there was a revival of interest in classical art and culture. The table may have been commissioned by a wealthy merchant or nobleman who wanted to show off his knowledge of the ancient world. The fact that the artist is anonymous also tells us something about the social conditions of artistic production at this time. Art was often seen as a craft rather than a fine art, and artists were not always recognized for their individual talents. To better understand the meaning of this table, we can consult historical sources such as inventories, letters, and diaries to learn more about the people who owned and used furniture like this. We can also look at the history of furniture design and the social history of the Renaissance period.