Giuseppe Maggiolini, Game Table

Refined fold-over games table from the early 19th century (1804-1814), by Giuseppe Maggiolini (Parabiago, 1738 – 1814).
The table features refined veneer work and an exceptionally high-quality marquetry decoration, arranged in an elegant geometric design.
The rectangular top is decorated at the centre with a composition depicting a musical score and various musical instruments, interspersed with leaves. The whole is framed by a border with friezes, while naturalistic marquetry motifs appear at the four corners of the table.
The table opens to reveal a square playing surface, finely decorated with four floral motifs at the corners.
This type of table was intended for the aristocratic and royal courts of the period.
The piece is completely intact and original.

Bibliography for reference and comparison

Museum of Milan, Commemorative Exhibition of Giuseppe Maggiolini, November–December 1938, Milan, 1938, pl. 28.

G. Morazzoni, The Inlaid Furniture of Giuseppe Maggiolini, Milan, Görlich, 1953, plates XIII, XV, XCIII.

A. González-Palacios, The Temple of Taste, Milan, 2000, p. 729.

G. Beretti, Giuseppe Maggiolini. The Workshop of Neoclassicism, Milan, 1994, pp. 176, 187, 189, 191, 201, 202.

Maggiolini Collection, Department of Prints and Drawings, Castello Sforzesco, Milan, coll. 101.