Martelé dressing table and stool, 1899
William C. Codman (American, 1839–1921), designer
Gorham Manufacturing Co. (American, founded 1831)
Providence, Rhode Island
Silver, glass, fabric, and ivory
60 x 54 x 33 in. (152.4 x 137.16 x 83.82 cm)
The Eugene and Margaret McDermott Art Fund, Inc., in honor of Dr. Charles L. Venable, 2000.356.a–b.McD

This table and stool are considered by scholars to be the most important examples of Martelé silver ever made by Gorham. The firm chose the 1900 Paris World’s Fair to introduce this new handmade line to the public and created these two pieces as the tour de force of its display. The table was constructed from 1,080 troy ounces of silver; its bench required an additional 173 ounces. Gorham was well rewarded for its efforts at the 1900 World’s Fair. The critics praised all of its wares; however, the stunning table and stool received the most attention.