Round table

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

Behold the elegant *Round Table* by Giuseppe Barberi, skilled Italian artist and designer (1746–1809). Crafted between 1775 1780, this piece captures the sophisticated aesthetics of late 18th Italy, a period when neoclassical influences began blending with lingering Rococo elegance. Barberi, active in Rome, was renowned for his architectural and decorative works that emphasized symmetry, proportion, and refined materials—hallmarks of furniture as high art. Displayed in the Smithsonian American Art's collection (museum purchase through gifts from various donors and the Eleanor G. Hewitt Fund), this round table reflects the era's focus on functional beauty. Round designs symbolized harmony and conviviality, ideal for intimate gatherings amid Europe's Enlightenment salons. As a medium, furniture like this bridged utility and artistry, showcasing joinery techniques and surface treatments that demanded masterful skill. Though research continues, this table invites us to appreciate how Italian craftsmanship influenced global design, even finding a home in an American collection. A timeless gem for any visitor's imagination!