Mechanical Drawing Table, Architect's Table, 19th Century

Drawing or architect's table, work or reading table known as the “Table Soleil.”
Hand-painted design featuring a bouquet of wildflowers, roses, and butterflies.

This convertible table features a solid, carved wooden frame. The base consists of four crossbars arranged in a cross, all mounted on casters. Its violin-shaped design allows for the placement of an armchair for added comfort. The central shaft is sliding and fluted, and the tabletop is finished with two raised edges that help keep sheets of paper, books, or pencils in place. The mechanical sliding system and locks allow the tabletop to be raised or lowered, tilted horizontally or more or less vertically, or even shifted sideways to the right or left by sliding it.
What makes this piece of furniture so special is that it’s both practical and decorative… and what a decorative touch-it’s like a beautiful painting !
19th-century piece.
The furniture is in very good condition, and the mechanism has been serviced and is in working order.
H. 80 x W. 89 x D. 55 cm.
Height adjustable up to 140 cm.
*This system was invented and designed by Georges Gay; it was patented at the 1889 World’s Fair.
Emile Chouanard (1861–1930), an engineer who graduated from Arts et Métiers and École Centrale Paris, became its sole owner in 1895 and its sole manufacturer until 1919.
Country of manufacture : France, in Paris.