Card Table 1790 - 1804

This mahogany Card Table was crafted by Stephen Goddard sometime between 1764 and 1804. Its form is defined by clean lines and symmetry. The semi-circular top, supported by slender, tapering legs, gives the table an airy, almost floating quality. The wood grain is celebrated through a lustrous finish, enhancing the material's inherent beauty. The inlaid patterns along the frieze and legs introduce delicate contrasting elements, drawing the eye to the meticulous craftsmanship. Note the subtle interplay between the solid structure and decorative details, creating visual rhythm and balance. Beyond mere utility, the table embodies 18th-century ideals of refinement and order. The careful selection and manipulation of materials elevate this functional object into a statement of cultural values, reflecting a society that prized both elegance and reason. The Card Table can be seen not just as furniture, but as a complex interplay of form, material, and cultural meaning.