A Dutch walnut side table

This side table was executed during the later phase of the development of Dutch auricular furniture, probably towards the end of the 17th Century. The characteristic shape of auricular side and centre tables, with S-shaped legs and shaped stretchers, which was probably introduced in the 1650s, is still apparent on this example. However, the auricular carving has been replaced by a classical decoration composed of acanthus and other foliage, while the front stretcher is embellished with a large lambrequin. Only the meandering snakes, symbols of Prudence, recall the anti-classical decoration of earlier tables.