18th Century Neo-Classical Gaming Table, Genoa

Details

Description

Type and Structure

Type: Folding or wallet-style gaming table.

Legs: Four tapered legs (truncated pyramids tapering toward the bottom), typical … Read more Type and Structure

Type: Folding or wallet-style gaming table.

Legs: Four tapered legs (truncated pyramids tapering toward the bottom), typical of the Louis XVI style, giving the piece great slenderness and rigorous elegance.

Mechanism: The upper tabletop is composed of two overlapping doors hinged along the long side. When opened, the tabletop doubles its usable surface area, offering a square playing field.

Decorations and Inlays

Outer Tabletop: The closed tabletop features a refined herringbone veneer with contrasting grains in fine walnut.

It is framed by contrasting light and dark wood trim and inserts.

Under-Top Band:

Decorated along the entire perimeter with an elegant geometric inlay motif in the form of alternating dice or dentil/checkerboard patterns, typical of Ligurian cabinetmaking from the Neoclassical period.

Inner Top (Game Table): When opened, it reveals a central top covered in green cloth.

The inner perimeter edge is also framed by a thin inlaid fillet that separates the wooden frame from the green cloth.

Style and Authorship

Period: Last quarter of the 18th century (circa 1780–1790), full Neoclassical/Louis XVI period.

School: Genoese cabinetmaking/manufacturing (Liguria)

Prestigious Features: Linear neoclassical forms combined with the refinement of geometric inlays, typical of Ligurian master cabinetmakers of the period.

Dimensions: 40 x 80 cm, height 80 cm. See less