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Course: The J. Paul Getty Museum > Unit 2
Lesson 4: Decorative arts- An introduction to decorative arts at the J. Paul Getty Museum
- Unlocking an 18th-century French mechanical table
- Construction of an 18th-century French mechanical table
- "Opening" the decorative arts collection
- Introduction to decorative arts quiz
- The inlay technique of marquetry
- Masters of marquetry in the 17th century: Boulle
- Masters of marquetry in the 18th century: Oeben, Roentgen, Abbiati
- Masters of marquetry quiz
- Making maiolica
- Maiolica: history, function, and production
- Maiolica quiz
- Stained glass: history and technique
- How stained glass is made
- Stained glass quiz
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Construction of an 18th-century French mechanical table
The innovative mechanics and artistry of Jean-François Oeben's table continue to amaze. Created by Getty Museum.
Want to join the conversation?
- Would this have been considered an "Expensive" item at the time it was made?(13 votes)
- Definitely. Whereas today, we could make hundreds of this item on an assembly line with relatively little effort in producing identical parts, in 18th century France, this would've been a handcrafted, custom object. Probably made on request for one particular (wealthy) customer, and would've been very unique in its design.(14 votes)
- How many of these tables were made?(3 votes)
Video transcript
This table's ornate exterior hides an elaborate mechanized system. At its core is an oak frame. A complex brass and steel mechanism, including rails, gears, and a release lever controls a movable writing desk. A desk's assembly incorporates lidded compartments, a concealed latch, a spring-activated drawer, and a writing surface that also serves as a book stand. A bolt prevents the desk from moving too far. A tabletop has metal fittings that engage gears and bolts. Long rods prevent the tabletop from sliding too far. A large key is used to wind the mechanism's coil springs. A small key unlocks and opens the desk. As the desk is closed, the spring mechanism rewinds. The marquetry tabletop surface has a ground of purple heartwood into which thin pieces of other colorful wood are assembled like a jigsaw puzzle. The rest of the table's exterior is covered in a geometric trellis pattern. Ornamental gilt bronze mounts frame and protect vulnerable wood edges. Today, the table is still functional and its innovative mechanics and artistry continue to amaze.