Richly Inlaid Italian Sorrento Side Table (1870-1890)

Sorrento walnut coffee table with a richly inlaid octagonal top depicting Phaëton, the son of the Greek sun god Heloise. He was eager to drive his father's sun chariot, but the horses bolted. Phaëton lost control of the reins, and when the sun chariot had scorched much of the earth, Zeus decided to intervene. He sent a lightning bolt at the chariot, and Phaëton crashed to the earth. The citron wood image shows the moment the horses rush forward. A geometric pattern has been applied around the figure of the sun chariot in various local and exotic woods. The table rests on a square partially inlaid with a herringbone pattern. These richly decorated tables with inlays are typical furniture pieces made in the early 19th century in Sorrento, a town on the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy. They are known for their craftsmanship and refined design. Marquetry is a technique that uses wood inlays to create decorative designs. It became very popular in Italy during the Renaissance. This model, of neoclassical design, dates from the second half of the 19th century and was very popular with European tourists traveling in the Italian peninsula. Condition: The top has a crack. Otherwise, this table is in good condition with normal signs of wear.