Name/Title
Dressing TableEntry/Object ID
1976.16.1Description
Mahogany dressing table (pine and poplar secondary woods) with mirror and brass drawer pulls. The oval mirror is attached to the back, framed with carved matching chamfered dolphins with scrolling tails. The body of the table contains two drawers with convex faces, the bottom of which can lock. It is supported by two plain supports in the back and two carved dolphin supports with scrolling tails in the front resting on a platform base with concave sides. The four feet are fully carved dolphins on brass casters.Use
Equipped with a mirror, tabletop, and drawers traditionally stocked with beauty products, dressing tables and vanities have long been used for personal grooming. Previously known as "toilet tables," the name changed in the mid-1800s following the invention of indoor plumbing.Context
The dolphin motif exemplified in this dressing table is commonly found in English Regency Era furniture. Beginning around 1795, the Regency Era encapsulated the period in which Prince George (1762–1830) served as prince regent and ended with the death of his brother and successor, King William IV (1765–1837). Influenced by the work of court architect, John Nash (1752–1835), Regency style furniture commonly features mahogany, finely carved legs, gold paint, and brass accents. It is similar to the contemporary Empire Era in France and the American Empire style—all of often contain motifs inspired by archaeological discoveries in Egypt, Italy, and Greece.Dimensions
Height
37 inWidth
42 inDepth
22-1/4 in
