The first linens on the table: how details changed the way we eat
Origin and evolution of the tablecloth and the napkin
White linen has become an indispensable material in both our projects and the decoration of our tables. We favour white due to its ability to adapt to any setting, its brightness, and the sense of purity it conveys. It acts as an elegant canvas that highlights the beauty of every element placed upon it, enhancing both the crockery and the accessories.
From Tablecloth to Napkin
The first tablecloths date back to Roman times and, interestingly, were also made of white linen. Back then, diners would sit aligned, sharing the tablecloth to clean their hands and mouths, which could be considered a precursor to the modern napkin.
«The Last Supper» by Dietric Bouts, 1464-1468. Part of a triptych in Saint Peter's Church.
The napkin has evolved and taken on various forms and functions over time, linked to culture, etiquette, and innovation in different civilisations. There are stories and legends attributing its creation to various historical figures, leading to an interesting debate about its true origin.
It is said that during the Middle Ages, in taverns, it was common to hang a cloth on the walls for customers to clean their hands while eating. However, it was after the French Revolution that Duke Jaques de Serviliet, upon opening his restaurant, introduced an innovation in table setting: each diner received their cutlery wrapped in a cloth, which not only protected the utensils but also served to wipe their hands during the meal. This marked a significant change in etiquette and the way formal dining spaces were organised.
Another theory regarding the origin of the napkin is linked to the Renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci. During his time as master of ceremonies and banquet organiser at the court of Ludovico Sforza, it is said that guests had rabbits tied to their chairs, which they used to clean their greasy fingers. Da Vinci, seeking a more elegant solution, proposed that each guest receive a personal cloth to clean their hands and knives. He wrote, "I have devised that each diner should have their own cloth, which, once soiled, can be folded to avoid dirtying the table and maintain the decorum of the dinner." However, his contemporaries did not appreciate the brilliance of this idea at the time, and its use did not become popular until much later.
Portrait of Leonardo da Vinci.
The Napkin: Etiquette and Refinement
A lesser-known curiosity is that during the Renaissance, napkins embroidered with family emblems or the initials of the host became a symbol of prestige among European nobility. Wealthy families competed to showcase the most elaborate and decorative napkins at banquets, not just as a practical item but also as a way to demonstrate power and wealth. This added detail to the refinement of tables helped consolidate the use of the napkin in formal settings.
Moreover, during the reign of Louis XIV of France in the 17th century, the monarch imposed strict rules of etiquette at the court of Versailles, one of which was the proper use of the napkin. At royal banquets, each guest was expected to place a large linen napkin on their lap during the meal. This protocol contributed to the dissemination of the napkin as an integral part of table service, establishing it as a symbol of refinement and elegance.
«Les buveurs de vin», Jacques Autreau, 1730.
We share the care of the table and the importance of details. Every small effort, from the tablecloth to the napkin, enhances not only the aesthetics but also the experience surrounding the meal, creating more meaningful and enjoyable moments for all present.
«Gentlemen having supper», George Du Maurier (1834-1896)
«Molière at the table of Louis XIV», 1857 by Jean Auguste Dominique (1780-1867). Found in the Collection de la Comédie Française, Paris.
