Oval Dining Table

Created: c. 1810

Origin/Purchase: Monticello Joiner's Shop

Materials: mahogany; cyprus and oak

Dimensions: 71.8 × 207 × 138.4 (28 1/4 × 81 1/2 × 54 in.)

Provenance: Private Collection

Historical Notes: One of the more ambitious products of Monticello's joinery is this oval mahogany table with ten legs, which was said to have been placed in the Tea Room. The design is likely Jefferson's. He is known to have favored ovals, as he selected one to outline the dinner invitation card that he used while president and also chose to have his initials "Th:J" engraved on an oval brass plaque that was affixed to one of his writing boxes.

The table has square, tapering legs, an attribute characteristic of Monticello joinery workmanship and Jefferson's designs. The rounded ends of the table are each supported by two fly legs.

- Text from Stein, Worlds, 288