Spider leg table

Status

On view

Label Text

This spider leg table is similar to and represents George Washington’s documented purchase of “1 Mahogy Spider Made tea table” at the August 15, 1774, auction of furnishings from Belvoir, the home of Washington’s friends and neighbors George William and Sally Fairfax. The term “spider leg” is an unusual anthropomorphic term describing a very small gate-leg table with eight slender legs.

Read MoreRead Less

Date1755-1765

Geography Made - England

Medium/TechniqueMahogany, brass, iron

DimensionsOverall: 27 5/8 in. × 28 in. × 26 7/8 in. (70.17 cm × 71.12 cm × 68.26 cm)

Credit LineAcquired through the generosity of Susan Marshall Townsend, Vice Regent for Delaware, 2017 Conservation courtesy of The Founders, Washington Committee Endowment Fund

Object numberM-5559

DescriptionRectangular gate-leg table with single gates. The top has three sections, with each of the two drop leaves secured to the central section by three brass butt hinges; straight edges on two leaves with guiding tenon corresponding to mortice on central section. The table ends have a double cyma curved skirt. The table is supported by four stationary legs and two gates, each with two legs; the gates open in opposing directions. All eight legs consist of turned Tuscan columns ending in turned pad feet; the round turned stretchers terminate in ring turned decoration and squared ends tenoned into which are the stationary legs and notched swing legs of the gates. The unfinished side rails of mahogany (?) are screwed to the top with four iron, dome-headed screws.

Mount Vernon's object research is ongoing and information about this object is subject to change. For information on image use and reproductions, click here.