Offered by Étienne de Roissart
This sumptuous Louis XVI style table is a piece designed by Adam Weisweiler, one of the most famous cabinetmakers of the late 18th century.
Adam Weisweiler (born in Korschenbroich on October 28, 1746, and died in Paris on June 15, 1820) was a Franco-German master cabinetmaker.
Adam Weisweiler was born in Korschenbroich in 1746 (Lordship of Myllendonk). He worked notably for the merchant Dominique Daguerre and for the Lignereux family, becoming a supplier to the French Court, to Marie-Caroline of Austria, Queen consort of Naples, to Maria Feodorovna, the daughter-in-law of Catherine the Great, as well as to the high French and English aristocracy. He also worked under the Empire. He died in Paris in 1820.
Weisweiler's production perfectly illustrates the "Pompeian" style. He is distinguished by remarkable furniture featuring gilded bronze details.
Created in the 19th century, this table showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of French artisans.
The chiseling of the gilded bronze base stands out due to its high-quality execution. Each of the three slender legs is adorned with female figures in the form of atlantes, typical of the Neoclassical style, extending into fluted spindle feet. A dynamic and airy stretcher evokes both the grace and rigor of the Neoclassical style.
The belt of the tabletop is lacquered in emerald green and is adorned with a garland of noble laurel in gilded bronze, symbolizing glory and triumph, intertwined with a twisted ribbon whose striped motif imitates the texture of a precious fabric carefully wrapped around branches dotted with drupes (the fleshy fruits of the Laurus Nobilis).
The tabletop, made of Belgian black marble (used throughout Europe in marquetry backgrounds), contrasts with the patterns inlaid with powdered semi-precious stones and colored minerals, following the ancient technique of scagliola.
At the center, a six-pointed star imitating malachite is inscribed within a beaded circle and a ring mimicking porphyry, bringing a precious and luminous touch.
Surrounding it, a floral crown composed of carnations, poppies, violets, bellflowers, and lotus flowers is complemented by lanceolate leaves and a few berries and ears, adding depth to the composition.
Around the perimeter of the tabletop, circular medallions rhythmically indicate the themes evoked by the marquetry. These medallions come in groups of three, each based on different themes.
The first medallion represents discovery and science, essential domains of knowledge and culture. This medallion symbolizes scientific progress and artistic recognition, with a particular focus on geographical discoveries and mathematics.
It consists of a globe and a compass, symbolizing geography, astronomy, or more generally the knowledge of the world and the universe. These instruments, often used in mathematics, geometry, and the exact sciences, symbolize the scientific method. A laurel wreath evokes honor and excellence. A parchment scroll refers to both the sciences and the arts, two domains often emphasized during the period of major scientific and cultural advancements.
This medallion is a powerful symbol of the union between the sciences and the arts, complementary domains that shape thought and values.
The second medallion celebrates art and artistic creation. It directly refers to the artist's instruments, notably the painter's palette, brushes, and hat. The compass, ruler, and square also allude to applied fine arts, where geometric precision is crucial for visual composition, perspective, and even in the decoration of spaces or the creation of architectural works.
The last medallion is a celebration of gardening, botany, and horticulture. Cutting tools such as the scythe, rake, shovel, watering can, and fork refer to working the land and plants, directly evoking the care given to plants. The gardener's hat represents the art and expertise linked to this field.
Three other medallions: a passerine bird with outstretched wings, symbolizing freedom and joy; a butterfly, resting on a delicate branch, evoking transformation and rebirth; and a dragonfly, a living and dynamic element, linked to lightness and vitality.
