A late 16th century French Renaissance richly carved walnut center table

Our remarquable table is a fabulous example of French renaissance castle furniture.
The rich carving that adorns the base of our table makes it an exceptional and luxurious piece of furniture at a time when it was the centerpiece of banquets and celebrations. The tables in 16th century weren’t used for eating, but only for exposing precious gold and silvers dishes and vases. This ceremonial table par excellence is reminiscent of the models engraved by Jacques Androuet Du Cerceau (Paris, vers 1515 – Annecy 1585), themselves derived from Italian models of the early sixteenth century and from which Hugues Sambin (Gray, 1520 – Dijon, 1601) was largely inspired.

Our table features a rectangular top above a gadrooned freize.
The trestle supports are richly carved in geometric and scrolls shaping around a central baluster, this form is called « the fan ». Beautifully carved arcaded stretcher with foliage balusters above a foliate-carved scroll base.
This form of Renaissance carved walnut trestle table was made in the 16th century in France, especially in two areas : Burgundy as well as The Loire Valley. Our table shows characteristics of carving and design used in central France, The Loire Valley, where are a lot of castles have been built during the Renaissance. Contrary to Burgundian style dominated by Hugues Sambin designs including chimeras and fantastic zoomorphic creations, the furniture made in The Loire Valley has been made in more elegant style combining scrolls, foliage and flowers inspired mostly by designs by Jacques Androuet du Cerceau.
A few examples of similar French trestle tables are illustrated in Jacqueline Boccador, Le Mobilier Français du Moyen Age à la Renaissance pp. 267-270.
Other similar French trestle tables are discussed and illustrated in Jacques Thirion, Le Mobilier Français du Moyen Age à la Renaissance en France, pp 126-137.