An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Tea Tablec. 1907
Luxurious materials might catch the eye first, but a closer look reveals the imaginary creatures that adorn the surface of this table. Featuring elaborate arches, a favorite motif that appeared throughout Bugatti's furniture, this fantastical imagery is a window into the designer's expressive imagination.
Carlo Bugatti's sons achieved illustrious careers of their own. Rembrandt Bugatti (1884-1916) became a celebrated sculptor, and Ettore Bugatti (1881-1947) manufactured luxurious automobiles and racing cars.
inlaid wood (mahogany?), cast and gilded bronze mounts, inlays of ivory or bone, metal, and mother-of-pearl (marine mussels or pearl oysters)
Overall: 71.5 x 67.1 x 41.3 cm (28 1/8 x 26 7/16 x 16 1/4 in.)
Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund
In a sun-drenched gallery, the air hummed with anticipation as visitors drifted between the exhibit's treasures. Among them, a table stood gracefully, glimmering under the soft light. At first glance, the richness of its materials dazzled the eye—smooth, polished surfaces that seemed to catch the sun's rays and hold them captive. The gloss and sheen whispered tales of luxury, each curve and line inviting the touch of curious fingers.
But as one stepped closer, a world of wonder unfolded. The surface of the table was not merely a canvas of opulence; it became a portal into an imaginative realm. Creatures, both whimsical and enchanting, danced across the woodgrain, each one telling a story of its own. They breathed life into the monotony of everyday objects, instilling a sense of magic that beckoned souls to pause and dream.
Amidst this fantastical imagery lay a recurring motif—the elaborate arches that gracefully framed the creatures, a signature of the visionary designer Bugatti. They rose like bridges to another world, a favorite theme that coursed through his furniture creations, celebrating the delicate union of artistry and function. These arches were not just decorative; they were a manifestation of Bugatti's restless creativity, a reminder that beauty often lies in the most unexpected details.
As viewers leaned in, they were not merely admiring craftsmanship; they were invited to glimpse into the heart of an artist. This table became a vessel, a storytelling piece that merged the luxury of fine materials with the vibrant tapestry of the designer's imagination. Each arch, each creature, became a reflection of youthful dreams and boundless possibilities, inspiring all who gathered around it to explore the realms of their own creativity.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
The best place to view Cleveland Museum of Art‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.