Oval table

1730-1780

Measurements

27-3/4 in x 39-7/8 in x 28-3/4 in

Materials

Unidentified diffuse-porous hardwood turnings, unidentified resinous pine top and frame

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp

Accession Number

1959.3641

Condition Notes

The top has been reset on the table frame to remove openings between the three boards caused by shrinkage of the wood.  The present paint is not original and was likely done in the 20th century.

Provenance

Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp

Comments

This attractive oval-top table has four columnar-turned legs ending in worn ball feet that splay outward.  They are joined by rectangular stretchers.  The table rails have a pronounced bead along the bottom edge.  Although many features of this table are similar to American-made examples, this one does not have turnings that resemble American tables.

The table was stripped of all paint at some time.  The softwood table top and framing members were scrubbed at that time, leaving them contoured.  The present green paint, reportedly a favorite color of Rodney Sharp, was applied to the underside of the top where it lies outside the table frame, which was not an 18th century practice.  The paint was wiped when still wet; the resulting bare spots are intended to suggest wear and the passage of time.  The single, wide batten that extends across the three-board top has rounded ends.  The age of the batten cannot be determined, but the shaping of these ends does not appear to be an 18th century American practice.