Art Institute of Chicago

Card Table

Artist unknown (American, 18th century)

Date

1755–90

Medium

Mahogany with tulip poplar, white oak, and white pine

Culture

New York

Department

Arts of the Americas

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

When not in use, this card table was meant to be placed against a wall. When needed, a third “swing” leg at the back of the table was placed at a perpendicular angle to support the open top. Opened, the table reveals four inset squared corners where candlesticks were placed. The recessed ovals held playing pieces known as fish because of their shape. The pieces were usually made of mother-of-pearl or ivory, and were kept in a small, secret drawer in the rear of the table.

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