AN AUSTRIAN EBONISED ORMOLU-MOUNTED AND PARCEL-GILT CENTRE TABLE

The restrained neoclassical lines of this centre table can be traced to designs in the Journal des Luxus und der Moden, published monthly between 1786 and 1827 in Weimar by F.J. Bertuch and G.J. Kraus. The journal which reported on the newest fashion developments from the most important capitals of Europe, popularised French and English designs in Austria and Germany. Austria, however, assimilated less than Germany to the opulence of French models and kept a restraining delicacy in the lines and decoration of its furniture.