Artwork Page for Center Table with Micromosaic Top, "Love Triumphant"

Details / Information for Center Table with Micromosaic Top, "Love Triumphant"

Center Table with Micromosaic Top, "Love Triumphant"

table c. 1865; top c.1830–50
top made by

Agostino Francesangeli

(Italian)

attributed to Herter Brothers

(American)
Culture
Italy, Rome
Medium
walnut with gilding and gilt-metal mounts, inlaid ornament, and mosaic top
Measurements
Overall: 76.2 x 108.5 cm (30 x 42 11/16 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of William J. Gordon 1998.19
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

This table once graced the home of William J. Gordon (1818-1892), probably best known for the bequest of the site of his residence to the city of Cleveland, to create Gordon Park. He is known to have visited Europe in 1865 and it is reported that the top of this table was purchased in Rome from Agostino Francesangeli. Its pictorial design, executed in micromosaic (a mosaic made from tiny glass tesserae, or tiles), is based on a decoration at the Villa Lante thought to have been painted by the great Italian Renaissance artist, Raphael (1483-1520). After he returned home, Gordon probably commissioned the wooden table itself to be made by the New York firm of Herter Brothers.
A walnut table features a large, circular mosaic top on a dark base with carved lion feet. At the black center, two nude winged children operate a red chariot pulled by a griffin. One child rides the beast while the other holds a green wreath. A garland of green leaves and colorful ribbons encircles them, framed by a golden patterned rim with red and blue bands. The base displays gilded floral rosettes.

Center Table with Micromosaic Top, "Love Triumphant"

table c. 1865; top c.1830–50

Agostino Francesangeli, Herter Brothers

(Italian), (American)
Italy, Rome

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