Khan Academy: Oeben, Mechanical Table

In this video [2:34] Met curator Danielle Kisluk-Grosheide on identity in Jean Francois Oeben's Mechanical table, c. 1761-63. Long recognized as one of Jean Francois Oeben's masterpieces, this table (ca. 1761-63) was made for his most important client, Madame de Pompadour. The main charge of her coat of arms, a tower, appears at the top of the gilt-bronze mount at each corner. The marquetry of the top, one of the finest panels, was designed to reflect her interests in the arts and depict a vase of flowers as well as trophies emblematic of architecture, painting, music, and gardening.