Oblong Table

Art Historical Context

This oblong table, fashioned from walnut in Italy during the late 19th or early 20th century, represents the refined tradition of Italian woodwork furniture. Its substantial dimensions—roughly six feet in length—suggest it served as a central piece in a dining room or salon, where practicality met understated elegance. The “turned” technique, in which skilled artisans shaped the wood on a lathe, allowed for smooth, symmetrical forms that highlight the natural grain and rich tone of walnut. As part of the Robert Lehman Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the table offers visitors insight into the enduring appeal of handcrafted furniture during a period when Italy balanced historic craftsmanship with emerging modern tastes. Its simple yet sturdy construction reflects a cultural appreciation for durable, beautifully finished domestic objects that could be passed down through generations.