17th Century French Louis XIII Walnut Gateleg Table w/ Drawer- 43¼"

This French walnut gateleg table dates to the 17th century and is of petite oval form, with a three-board drop-leaf top and a deep frieze drawer. The leaves hinge from a central fixed board and are supported by swinging gate frames, while the understructure rests on turned legs joined by box stretchers. When fully opened, the top presents a somewhat uneven surface, a timeworn quality that adds to its rustic charm. The walnut displays a handsome dark patina that lends depth and presence. An age-set crack is visible across the top and one leaf is a bit stiff to raise, yet the piece remains sturdy and serviceable.

Gateleg tables first arose in late Renaissance England and spread quickly across Europe for their practicality, becoming especially popular in French interiors during the Louis XIII period. The baluster turning and rectilinear stretchers of this example reflect the restrained silhouette and robust joinery of that era, often executed in walnut prized for its fine grain and durability. Provincial ateliers adopted the type for households that required a generous surface when open but a compact footprint when folded. The deep drawer would have provided storage for cutlery, linens, or writing tools, making the table a versatile piece for both dining and cabinet rooms.

This table is highly adaptable in today’s interiors. When fully opened, it serves beautifully as a breakfast or wine table for two, while with the leaves down it functions as a slim console in a hallway or behind a sofa. In a library or study, it may be paired with a rush-seat chair and used as a writing or reading table, with the drawer holding stationery. Its mellow patina, uneven surface, and honest wear bring warmth and authenticity to contemporary spaces, layering gracefully with both rustic country and tailored traditional schemes.