Carved, gilded and painted wooden table with the the fall of Phaeton. Rome, 18th century Height 87 cm -Width 177 cm -Depth 108 cm (with base and top) Misses; Damage to the later faux marble top) Phaethon or Phaeton is the son of Helios. He tries to drive the chariot of the sun. He is struck by Zeus and falls into the River Eridan. Our table reflects the naturalistic taste that prevailed in Rome during the Seicento, when Gian Lorenzo Bernini (Naples, 1598 - Rome, 1680) had a considerable workshop and determined followers. The model for this type of baroque table was probably inspired by the works of the ornamentalist Giovanni Paolo Schor (Innsbruck, 1615 - Rome, 1674), who worked in the Cavaliere's workshop. As a result, these tables are known as "Berninian tables", so visible is the imprint of the Master. They were originally used as prie-Dieu, but emancipated themselves from their divine nature to occupy a more practical place in Roman palaces.