A pair of Italian neoclassical giltwood console tables, Rome, circa 1780
Estimate
70,000 - 100,000 EUR
Lot Details
Description
the Verde Antico marble top above a frieze decorated with Mercury heads, laurel garlands, rais-de-coeur, and beaded and swirling ribbon bands; on tapered legs surmounted by feathered plumes, with a fire mark underneath: 5 on one and 7 on the other
(2)
Haut. 93 cm, larg. 176 cm, prof. 87 cm ; Height 36 2/3 in, width 69 1/3 in, depth 34 ¼ in
Sotheby's, Paris, 6 April 2011, lot 166
The present tables, of impressive size and fine quality, can be drawn to the production of furniture pieces in the neoclassical style emanating from Rome in the late 18th century. The form of the tables with elegant tapering legs and symbols reminiscent of Antiquity such as the paterae, mask of Mercury and laurel garlands bring to mind a small group of related console tables.
The distinctive shape of conical legs, decorated with garlands or fluting and incorporating capitals at the top, as well as friezes with garlands was adopted by the artisans at Villa Borghese working under the direction of architect Antonio Asprucci (see two tables illustrated in G. Morazzoni, Il Mobile Neoclassico Italiano, 1955, Tav. VIII), and by other Roman artisans, see a table in the Museo Napolenico (ill. E. Colle, Il mobile Neoclassico in Italia, 2005, Milan, illustrated p.146) and another sold at Christie’s, London, 19th May 2021, lot 48 (£40,000).