A Mahogany Pedestal Table From The Consulate/empire Period, With Rich Gilt Bronze Mounts And A Turquin Marble Top.

A beautiful mahogany pedestal table with rich mounts of chased and mercury-gilded bronze. The tapered uprights are adorned with antique-style female busts ending in human feet. The base is decorated in its center with a rosette and palmettes. Beautifully veneered in mottled Cuban mahogany, it is topped with a gray marble slab with a trapezoidal cut edge. This piece dates from the early Empire period, around 1805. It is often difficult to precisely distinguish Empire pieces from those dating from the early Restoration. While the cabinetmakers were the same and the stylistic vocabulary very similar, the differences are subtle in common models. On this pedestal table, however, there is no doubt: the very straight lines are directly inspired by antique furniture, with a clear desire for "archaeological precision." The design is martial, almost military. It is indeed a purely Empire piece, beautifully crafted. Unstamped, the perfect proportions, the meticulous attention to detail in the finishes and gilt bronze mounts, and the use of luxurious materials such as mottled mahogany and Bleu Turquin marble are the hallmarks of a great Parisian cabinetmaker, reminiscent of the work of Marcion Jacob or Ligneureux. This type of table is a classic of Empire period decor, designed for use as a living room or library table, a tea table, or a side table in the dining room. Ours is also a rarer model due to its 81cm diameter, making it easier to place than most Empire pedestal tables, which are around 90cm. It is in perfect condition; the French polish has been cleaned and repolished by our cabinetmaker. It is clean and glossy. There are no damages or missing veneer. There are a few small losses to the palmette motifs on the tripod base. Height: 73cm Diameter: 81cm