Oak Table by Renée Gabriel, France, 1940s

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Renée Gabriel Patinated Oak Table, France, 1940s This table, designed by renowned French decorator Renée Gabriel (1899–1950), exemplifies the functional … Read more Renée Gabriel Patinated Oak Table, France, 1940s This table, designed by renowned French decorator Renée Gabriel (1899–1950), exemplifies the functional elegance of post-war French modernist furniture. Measuring 70 cm deep, 135 cm wide, and 72 cm high, it is a versatile piece ideal for a dining table, writing desk, or central feature in a modern interior. Crafted from solid oak, the table showcases a rich, patinated finish that reveals the natural character and grain of the wood. The aging of the material enhances its warm, honey-brown tone, lending it a timeless presence. Gabriel’s design adheres to the principles of rational construction and visual restraint, reflecting the utilitarian spirit of France’s post-World War II reconstruction era. The rectangular top is supported by four outwardly splayed legs, providing both stability and a dynamic visual stance. A central stretcher connects these legs, joined with visible mortise-and-tenon joinery and locked with a wooden peg—an honest construction detail typical of Gabriel’s approach. Modest scalloped aprons under the tabletop add a gentle decorative touch without compromising the minimalist aesthetic. Renée Gabriel pioneered the development of standardized furniture for public housing during the 1940s and 1950s. Her designs were known for being both economically viable and stylistically progressive. This table embodies her mission to democratize good design—creating furnishings that are durable, thoughtfully made, and accessible to a broad audience. Now appreciated as much for its historical value as its aesthetic quality, this table represents a refined balance of form and function. The combination of enduring materials, traditional joinery, and understated detailing marks it as a quintessential piece of mid-century French design, imbued with cultural significance and enduring beauty. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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