Inlaid Coffee Table, Prince Witold Czetwertyński (1850-1909), 1886, Daszów Nad Sobem, Poland

Marquetry coffee table made in 1886 by Prince Witold Czetwertyński in Daszów nad Sobem. It rests on three spiral feet. The trillium-shaped top is inlaid with different types of wood. The inlaid decorations represent: the artist's signature with the date, the coat of arms of the Potocki family of Pilawa (i.e. of his wife Maria Potocka (1847-1907)) and the initials "HP" with a crown. These initials may refer to Witold's mother-in-law, Henriette Potocka (née Després). The whole is decorated with very elaborate, inlaid and engraved floral ornaments.

Prince Witold Czetwertyński (1850-1909), 1886, Daszów nad Sobem, Poland.

Height 65 cm, top 68 x 68 cm. Relatively good condition, minor scratches and losses.

Prince Witold Światopełk-Czetwertyński (1850-1909): "The rushing current of independence also seized other representatives of the family. One of them is Witold (born in 1850), grandson of his cousin Janusz. At the age of thirteen he participated in the January Uprising (1863-1864) and a year after his defeat he was drafted into the army serving in the Caucasus. The family is private of any information on his fate. In exile, the prince learns the trade of carpenter. After 15 years of detention, he is released. Without a penny, he returns to his country on foot, like a beggar. His return is accompanied by a romantic story. At the end of his journey, he reached Daszów nad Sobem (today in Ukraine, in the Ilinets region of Vinnytsia Oblast) - which then belonged to the Rzewuskis. The owner of the estate, Maria née Potocki (1847-1907), widow of Adam Beydo-Rzewuski (1830-1878), fell in love with the newcomer; in 1881, they pronounced their sacramental marriage vows before the altar. Before long, Witold organized a carpentry workshop in the village, which soon became famous for its artistic products decorated with inlays. Its peak was between 1902 and 1907, and it should be mentioned that the director of the factory deepened his knowledge in Germany and Paris". Source: https://www.1944.pl/artykul/noblesse- oblige- tradycje-patriotyczne-polski,5159.html

References: http://www.sejm-wielki.pl/b/4.1.343
https://www.sejm-wielki.pl/b/4.1.344
https://pl .wikipedia.org/wiki/Czetwertyńscy_herbu_własnego
https://www.1944.pl/artykul/noblesse- oblige-tradycje-patriotyczne-polski,5159.html