Unknown American
Gaming Table

Public Domain

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Images(2)

Maker Unknown American

CultureAmerican

Titles

Gaming Table

Datec. 1830–1845

Made inNew York, New York, United States

MediumMahogany, rosewood, and marble

Dimensions30 1/2 × 21 7/8 in. diameter (77.5 × 55.6 cm)

Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, museum purchase funded by the W.H. Keenan Family Endowment Fund

Object numberB.2005.7.A,.B

Current Location

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

Chillman Parlor

On view

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Department

Bayou Bend

Object Type

FURNITURE

DescriptionThe diminutive gaming table, with a composite marble top, introduces the final phase of the Grecian aesthetic. In all likelihood it represents a specially commissioned piece. The table is veneered in rosewood, rather than the more usual mahogany. The top, composed of five contrasting marbles, was probably ordered from Italy. The style, more popularly referred to as pillar and scroll, was introduced in the 1830s and, ultimately, was an American interpretation of German Biedermeier design. As such, it presented a striking contrast to the heavily carved, painted, and gilded decoration that characterized the Grecian taste of the 1810s and 1820s. This stand is an unusual example and probably modeled after the French guéridon.

ProvenanceBeverly and Richard Kelly; consigned to [Northeast Auctions, Manchester, New Hampshire, April 3, 2005, lot 1244]; purchased by MFAH, 2005.
Exhibition History"Duncan Phyfe: Master Cabinetmaker in New York," Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, June 24–September 9, 2012.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks

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Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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John Henry Belter

Étagère

1855

Rosewood and rosewood veneer; black walnut, mahogany, eastern white pine, yellow-poplar, undetermined exotic wood (possibly eucalyptus), marble, and mirrored glass

B.81.9.10