Italian
Octagonal Table (Tavolo ottagonale), 16th century (with 19th century top)
Walnut , 80.7 x 117.6 x 118.3 cm (31 3/4 x 46 5/16 x 46 9/16 in.)
General admission for children 17 years and under is always free
Italian octagonal walnut table with 4 heavily carved legs. The table board is formed by 6 thick walnut planks. The base of the table is formed by a thick long walnut octagon carved with 5 circles slightly interlaced and stacked on top of each other. This base connects and supports four legs decorated in the Baroque style. Each leg has the same patterns and design, the face of what seems to be a feminine figure with carved wavy hair, open almond-shaped eyes with crescent-shaped pupils, nose, and a very discrete smile. The feet of the legs are similar to an animal, perhaps the paw of a lion or the hoof of a horse. Between the foot and the femenine figure supporting the table are intricately carved patterns that resemble flowing floral fabric patterns.
Second Floor Stairhall and Stairway
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.