Work and writing table (table en chiffonière) 1755 - 1765

This is a work and writing table, or "table en chiffonière," made by Bernard II van Risenburgh sometime in the 18th century. It is a beautiful example of the kind of ornate furniture that graced the homes of the French elite. Imagine the lives intertwined with this table, the women of the French aristocracy. It was a time when their social roles were as meticulously crafted as the marquetry on this table. The “table en chiffonière” represents the intersection of luxury, gender, and power. It speaks volumes about the material culture of the era. Consider how the personal and the political were closely linked during this period. The aristocracy's lavish lifestyle became a point of contention that fueled revolutionary sentiments. While this table embodies the elegance of the era, it also serves as a reminder of the complex social dynamics and inequalities that defined 18th-century France. It is a silent witness to a world on the brink of change.