Twee tafels after 1878

These two tables were made in Paris, published and drawn by V.L. Quetin. The plate depicts two distinct designs. First, note the table à ouvrage, crafted in the Louis XVI style. Its ornate marquetry top and delicate gilded accents speak to luxury and high-end craftsmanship. The cabriole legs, a hallmark of the era, demanded skill in carving and joinery. Contrast this with the set of nesting tables alongside, the tables gigognes. These are far more practical in design, and exemplify a shift towards efficiency. Both designs rely on skilled labor, yet one caters to opulence, while the other hints at emerging consumer needs. This contrast reflects the broader socio-economic landscape of the time, where craft traditions intertwined with evolving market demands. By examining such objects closely, we gain insight into the complex interplay between materials, making, and societal values.