Gründerzeit Dressing Table with Three-Winged Mirror and Marble Top, 1890s

Details

Description

An elegant oak dressing table with a three-panel folding mirror and original marble tops, dating from around 1900 during the … Read more An elegant oak dressing table with a three-panel folding mirror and original marble tops, dating from around 1900 during the transition from Historicism to Art Nouveau. The symmetrical overall design, comprising two freestanding side sections and the connecting mirror top, is clearly proportioned and visually cohesive.

Historical context:
The dressing table – also known as a vanity table – was a central piece of furniture in the middle-class bedroom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was used for daily personal hygiene and dressing and was an integral part of complete bedroom sets, which were often manufactured to match during this period. The large mirror allowed for a full view; the side cabinets and drawers accommodated toiletries, jewellery and personal items. Marble tops were the preferred surface material in bedrooms and washrooms as they were water-repellent, hygienic and easy to maintain. Oak was widely used as a construction timber in German furniture production around 1900 and was regarded as robust and prestigious. Features Three-panel folding mirror with a central oval main mirror and two rectangular side panels with bevelled edges (faceted finish) A continuous beaded frieze as a decorative element on the base, mirror top and connecting frame

Design:
Stylistically, the piece bridges the gap between Historicism and Art Nouveau, dating from around 1895–1910. The basic structure, with its panelled door panels, classically proportioned side sections and beaded frieze, reflects Historicism; the recessed black line engravings in undulating, organic-looking forms, as well as the curved connecting frame beneath the central mirror, are characteristic of early Art Nouveau. The tulip-shaped, turned, grooved feet combine both design trends. The overall structure is symmetrical and clearly organised vertically.

Function:
Formerly: A central piece of furniture for personal hygiene and dressing in the middle-class bedroom; storage of toiletries, jewellery and personal items in drawers and small cupboards. Today: Used as a dressing table or console in the bedroom or dressing room; can also be used as a striking individual accent piece in formal living areas.

Dimensions:
Height × Width × Depth: 184 × 126 × 41 cm

Material and condition:
Solid oak; original marble tops with a beige-reddish-brown pattern; brass fittings (knobs and key plates). Original mirror retained, with a few age-related streaks. Surfaces stable, very well preserved with a subtle patina. Isolated signs of wear present; professionally restored by Kastellan. See less