GUERIDON , a small table to hold a lamp or vase, supported by a tall column or a human or mythological figure. This piece of furniture, often very graceful and elegant, originated in France towards the middle of the 17th century. In the beginning the table was supported by a negro or other exotic figure, and there is some reason to believe that it took its name from the generic appellation of the
African groom or " tiger," who was generally called " Gueridon," or as we should say in English " Sambo." The swarthy figure and brilliant costume of the " Moor " when reproduced in
and picked out in colours produced a very striking effect, and when a small table was supported on the head by the upraised hands the idea of passive service was suggested with completeness. The gueridon is still occasionally seen in something approaching its
form; but it had no sooner been introduced than the artistic instinct of the French designer and artificer converted it into a far worthier object. By the death of Louis XIV. there were several hundreds of them at
, and within a generation or two they had taken an infinity of formscolumns, tripods, termini and mythological figures. Some of the simpler and more artistic forms were of
carved with familiar decorative motives and gilded. Silver, enamel, and indeed almost any material from which furniture can be made, have been used for their construction. A variety of small " occasional " tables are now called in French gueridons.
End of Article: GUERIDON
If you wish, you can link directly to this article.
JCSM was founded in 1997 and exists to help the community and bring people into a life-changing and productive
relationship with
Jesus Christ. JCSM offers over 200,000 free web pages, including
its
weekly inspirational emails
that were sent continuously for over a decade.
Jesus Christ
Saves Ministries
P.O. Box 9297 San Diego, CA 92169 1-888-887-0417 or
Email