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South German Table

View of a city square with grand buildings and fountains, 1710-1720

The scene on this tabletop is a masterpiece of intricate marquetry, or inlaid work. The unknown craftsman has used a range of rare and exotic materials to build up an imaginative picture. It shows a perspective view of a great, fanciful city, elements of which were drawn from contemporary engravings.

The optical effect of the perspective view is underlined by the lines leading back towards the grand palace or cathedral to the rear. However, the stark geometry of the composition has been enlivened by a mass of figures, some riding in carriages, some conversing, some shopping, some simply walking.

As if this were not enough detail, the borders are also populated with little scenes, this time of Chinese people, taken from a book which recorded a diplomatic visit to China published in 1665 and which was a popular source for artists and craftsmen.

The craftsman has chosen his materials carefully. The sky is suggested by the blue of lapis lazuli, the silver-grey stone of the buildings by shimmering mother-of-pearl, the pavements in tortoishell. Engraving, cutting and assembling these tiny pieces required enormous skill, and Augsburg in Southern German was one of the few cities which specialised in such work. Other inlaid objects, such as elaborate arms and armour, were also made there in the 17th and 18th centuries. The scene was probably made separately, and then mounted up as a table.