Table 1838 - 1848

This table was crafted by Auguste-Émile Rinquet-Leprince, though we don't know exactly when. Tables like these would typically feature in the homes of the affluent during the 19th century in France. Note the cabriole legs, a holdover from the Louis XV period, and the dark lacquer finish. Such a piece speaks to the enduring legacy of the French court, even after the revolution. The gilded ormolu mounts also evoke an old regime of wealth and power, now transformed into bourgeois display. The decorative arts offer a fascinating glimpse into the material culture of the past. Auction catalogs and historic inventories can provide insight into the circulation and consumption of such pieces. The presence of this table in the Met's collection also reveals a great deal about the history of museums and the establishment of cultural canons.