Design for Toilet Table No. 13

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

**Design for Toilet Table No. 13** *By A.N. Davenport Co., 1900–05* Step into the elegant world of early 20th-century American home furnishings with *Design for Toilet Table No. 13*, created by the A.N. Davenport Co. This intriguing piece, classified as furniture, represents a blueprint for a toilet table—a stylish vanity essential for personal grooming in Victorian and Edwardian households. Dating to 1900–05, it captures the transitional moment when ornate 19th-century designs began evolving toward the cleaner lines of the new century, reflecting the era's blend of functionality and refinement in domestic life. Produced by A.N. Davenport Co., a notable firm in the furniture trade, this design highlights the collaborative process between manufacturers and designers during America's Gilded Age aftermath. Toilet tables like this one were coveted status symbols, often featuring mirrors, drawers, and intricate detailing to enhance daily rituals. Though the medium remains unidentified amid ongoing research, such designs were typically rendered in ink, watercolor, or catalog illustrations to guide production. Today, this artwork graces the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection, generously gifted by The Lake St. Louis Historical Society. It offers visitors a window into the craftsmanship and consumer tastes of turn-of-the-century America, inviting us to ponder how everyday objects embodied cultural aspirations. (198 words)