Duet
Nesting Tables
The Monet Family in Their Garden at Argenteuil, 1874. Edouard Manet. Bequest of Joan Whitney Payson, 1975.
Currently not on view at The Met
Inspiration
In the summer of 1874, Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir met together to paint at the Monet family’s garden in Argenteuil. These artists influenced each other during a time when art was shifting. In fact, Monet’s style inspired Manet to paint works like this one – an outdoor scene capturing a fleeting moment.
This scene of the Monet family displays the tender love and safety parents provide for their children.
AHxMET
Tender, Harmonious, Placid
Interpretation
The relationship between Camille Monet and her son, Jean, is mirrored in this pair of nesting tables, showing their closeness and embodying their deep bond.
The form, supported by 24k gilded legs, captures the shape of Camille and Jean and the flow of their clothing and poses. Cerused wood with a fine walnut grain is infused with 24k gold and platinum, mimicking a texture reminiscent of open-air painting.
Large Table: 50″L x 30″W x 22″H, 85lbs.
Small Table: 40″L x 20″W x 20″H, 62lbs.
$73,236.00
*Limited Edition – Only 70 Available
Join the Story
“The significance of this piece is multilayered. In one way, it represents family and the protection of a husband over a wife, a mother over a child. The larger table is cherishing, providing love and safety. It is also a visual representation of Good versus Evil. The larger top 24k gold in grain shines bright from the light, if you are with Christ. The dark side can represent evil and darkness, Satan.”
— Ernest Hershberger, Founder of Abner Henry
