Architect’s table (table à la Tronchin)

Jean-François Leleu

Not on view

French eighteenth-century furniture was either designed for a very specific usage or served multiple purposes. This table falls into the latter category since it could be used for writing, reading or drawing both in standing and seated positions. This table shows similarities with the multifunctional tables the German cabinetmaker David Roentgen supplied to Catherine the Great of Russia and other patrons. Called table à la Tronchin in French after the Swiss physician Théodore Tronchin, an advocate of the value of fresh air, exercise, and a moderate lifestyle, who would have recommended its use to patients who worked for many hours in a seated position.

Architect’s table (table à la Tronchin), Jean-François Leleu (1729–1807, master 1764), Mahogany and mahogany veneer on oak, gilt bronze, white metal, and leather, French

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

Architect’s table (table à la Tronchin), Jean-François Leleu (1729–1807, master 1764), Mahogany and mahogany veneer on oak, gilt bronze, white metal, and leather, French
Architect’s table (table à la Tronchin), Jean-François Leleu (1729–1807, master 1764), Mahogany and mahogany veneer on oak, gilt bronze, white metal, and leather, French

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.