Table of Silence, Sculptural monument in Târgu Jiu, Romania
The Table of Silence is a circular monument in Târgu Jiu, Romania, formed by a round stone surface surrounded by twelve hourglass-shaped seats carved from limestone. Each seat stands freely on the ground, while the central slab rests on a low base, and the entire group sits in an open space under the sky.
Constantin Brâncuși created this work in 1937 as part of a memorial for the defenders of Târgu Jiu during World War I. He designed three sculptures along an axis through the town, tracing the route of the Romanian army's retreat.
The name refers to quiet gatherings held before difficult farewells, much like families sharing a meal before a soldier left for war. The circular arrangement invites visitors to sit as if around a shared table, where words give way to presence.
The monument stands at the western end of a park in the town center, where a straight path leads directly from the river. The ground around the sculpture remains open, allowing free access at any time of day.
The stools are shaped so that two hourglass halves meet at their narrowest point, allowing them to stand freely without tipping. Brâncuși worked directly with local stonemasons, who sourced the raw material from nearby quarries.
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