Transforming Table Inspired By La Fontaine's Fables, 18th Century

Rare small transforming table with marquetry depicting La Fontaine’s Fables

Louis XVI period – Late 18th century (circa 1780–1790)

Elegant and refined, this rare small convertible table from the late 18th century exemplifies the craftsmanship of the finest cabinetmakers of the Louis XVI period. Ingeniously designed, it combines the functions of a parlor table, a reading desk, and a writing desk in a piece of furniture with harmonious proportions and remarkable craftsmanship.

Entirely veneered with rosewood, violetwood, amaranth, lemonwood, and various other precious woods, it features marquetry of exceptional finesse, both on the tabletops and on the bands.
The design is accentuated by delicate fillets and a veneer arranged in butterfly wings, beautifully highlighting the wood’s grain.

The two side flaps, with their undulating shapes, are each adorned with an oval marquetry medallion illustrating two famous fables by Jean de La Fontaine.

The first depicts “The Crow and the Fox,” with the fox observing the crow perched in a tree, set against a backdrop of ancient-inspired architectural ruins.

The second depicts “The Fox and the Stork,” in which the stork stands near classical ruins in a lively landscape, evoking the moralistic spirit of 18th-century engravings.

These compositions, executed with extreme precision, attest to the marquetry artist’s virtuosity and lend the piece a character that is as erudite as it is decorative.

The central top lifts up via an original mechanism to form an adjustable reading desk, upholstered in antique brown leather with gold trim.
Beneath it is a belt-style drawer, intended for writing accessories or papers.

The two side compartments, accessible via hinged doors, offer storage spaces lined with antique pink fabric.
One is designed to hold inkwells and writing accessories, confirming the piece’s purpose as a piece of furniture for reading and correspondence.

The waistband is entirely decorated with a panoramic marquetry frieze depicting a charming, continuous landscape composed of villages, mills, farms, trees, hills, churches, and paths.
This frieze runs the entire length of the cabinet and constitutes a remarkable piece of cabinetmaking, rarely seen on furniture of this category.

The piece rests on four tapered legs with square cross-sections, finely curved in the Louis XVI style, topped with their original small gilded bronze feet, providing an elegant finish.

The perfectly balanced proportions, the richness of the figurative marquetry, and the sophistication of its mechanism make this table a particularly appealing collector’s piece.

In very good condition, with a few minor imperfections due to its advanced age.

Remarkably well-preserved marquetry with a beautiful antique patina and a few discreet, perfectly integrated restorations due to wear and tear.
Mechanisms are functional.
Antique leather showing normal wear consistent with its age.
Interior preserved with its original compartments. Gilded bronze feet present.

Late 18th century, Louis XVI period, circa 1780–1790.

Features

• Period: Louis XVI, late 18th century.
• Convertible piece of furniture.
• Central top converts into a writing desk.
• Two side flaps.
• One drawer around the middle.
• Precious wood veneer and landscape marquetry.
• Decor inspired by La Fontaine’s Fables:
• The Crow and the Fox.
• The Fox and the Stork.
• Panoramic marquetry frieze along the entire base.
• Tapered legs.
• Gilded bronze feet.
• Exquisite cabinetmaking.

With its rich figurative marquetry, exquisite craftsmanship, and ingenious transformation mechanism, this table ranks among the most refined pieces produced during the late reign of Louis XVI.
Furniture depicting La Fontaine’s Fables is particularly sought after by collectors for its scholarly iconography and its rarity on the market.

Given its quality of craftsmanship, excellent condition, exceptional decoration, and rarity, this table would be a fine addition to a beautiful home.