A console is a small asymmetric trapezoidal table, adjacent to one side of the wall.
The French word “console” originally meant an architectural element which serves as a support for the protruding part of the structure, for example, a balcony or a cornice. In translation from Latin, “consolidare” means “to support” or “to strengthen”.
A narrow table with three or four legs was called a console in the furniture industry; one side of the table leaned on the wall. The consoles first gained popularity in France, in the 17th century, during the reign of King Louis XIV, who was called the “sun king”. This century is called the Baroque era. Pretentiousness, elegance, and a large number of details characterized the art of this period.
Natural materials were used for the manufacture of consoles: stone, wood, bronze; gilding was often used. In the decorative design, the preference was given to curved lines flowing into each other, and strict symmetry was characteristic of the ornaments. The consoles were also decorated with shaped overhead details. They were made in the form of plants, animals, or, for example, military symbols. The table tops were usually made of marble or decorated with Florentine natural stone mosaics. Another type of mosaic was called “marquetry” which was made from the wood of different shades.
In the 17th century, it became fashionable to decorate interiors with expensive figurines, vases, bowls, paintings and heavy framed mirrors, tall candlesticks, and other accessories. Louis XIV was known to the world not only as the king of France but also as an art collector. The ruler ordered several console tables of his design from the court master to place vases, clocks, and statuettes along the walls of the palace. According to the sketches of Louis XIV, the legs of the tables were covered with gold, and some were made in the form of animals.
The console from the exhibition of the Oryol Museum is a table with a marble top and a small cabinet. Experts suggest that it was made in the middle of the 19th century.
The French word “console” originally meant an architectural element which serves as a support for the protruding part of the structure, for example, a balcony or a cornice. In translation from Latin, “consolidare” means “to support” or “to strengthen”.
A narrow table with three or four legs was called a console in the furniture industry; one side of the table leaned on the wall. The consoles first gained popularity in France, in the 17th century, during the reign of King Louis XIV, who was called the “sun king”. This century is called the Baroque era. Pretentiousness, elegance, and a large number of details characterized the art of this period.
Natural materials were used for the manufacture of consoles: stone, wood, bronze; gilding was often used. In the decorative design, the preference was given to curved lines flowing into each other, and strict symmetry was characteristic of the ornaments. The consoles were also decorated with shaped overhead details. They were made in the form of plants, animals, or, for example, military symbols. The table tops were usually made of marble or decorated with Florentine natural stone mosaics. Another type of mosaic was called “marquetry” which was made from the wood of different shades.
In the 17th century, it became fashionable to decorate interiors with expensive figurines, vases, bowls, paintings and heavy framed mirrors, tall candlesticks, and other accessories. Louis XIV was known to the world not only as the king of France but also as an art collector. The ruler ordered several console tables of his design from the court master to place vases, clocks, and statuettes along the walls of the palace. According to the sketches of Louis XIV, the legs of the tables were covered with gold, and some were made in the form of animals.
The console from the exhibition of the Oryol Museum is a table with a marble top and a small cabinet. Experts suggest that it was made in the middle of the 19th century.
