Large italian Renaissance table with folding flaps

ORIGIN : ITALY

PERIOD : END OF 16th CENTURY

Height : 74.5 cm
Length : 165 cm
Open width : 144 cm

Walnut wood
Good state of conservation

Ingenious and original, this Italian table model combines supports with a simple and efficient mechanism of pivoting panels. The rectangular one-piece top rests on flat lyre-shaped posts. They are supported by solid skids with a brace base. An impressive strut connects them, formed by two scalloped crosspieces. They are joined by a piece of scalloped wood which is pierced with a circular pattern in the middle. Two large panels lean against it : when open, they become supports for the rounded flaps that double the surface of the table. When closed, they reduce the size of the furniture. Under the top, two long drawers can be found.

This is a fine example of a table that is both functional and theatrical, it corresponds to the taste of a society where the search for splendour does not exclude the search for comfort.