Rare Pair Of Demi-lune Consoles, England, Late 18th – Early 19th Century

Rare Pair of demi-lune consoles, England, late 18th – early 19th century
Dimensions: the first: 123 cm L x 53 cm Wx 83 cm H; the second: 121 cm W x 53 cm D x 83 cm H

This pair of refined demi-lune consoles was made in England during the George III period, between the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, in the manner of Thomas Chippendale (1718–1779) and William Moore (c. 1782–1815). The semi-circular top in inlaid wood stands out for the lively graphic effect of the fan motif: a rich interplay of inlays in different fine woods, further enhanced by pyrographed decoration that emphasizes the veins and small vegetal details, giving depth to the composition. The outer edge is defined by a band that frames the central design and creates a sophisticated color transition towards the border. The ornaments decorating the fan combine classical and grotesque elements with a sequence of feathers in the central section. The giltwood structure harmoniously dialogues with the top thanks to the beautiful contrast between the luminosity of the gold and the warmth of the precious veneers. The frieze beneath the top is fluted and runs continuously along the entire demi-lune, interrupted only by slightly projecting rosettes that animate its rhythm. The four turned legs, springing from circular capitals, are also gilt and decorated with acanthus leaves and flutes, giving the whole piece an elegant vertical thrust and a light, airy appearance. These consoles, rarely found on the antique market as a pair and with such a sophisticated chromatic interplay of marquetry and gilding, are ideal to be placed against a wall either individually or as a symmetrical pair, beneath mirrors or paintings. Elegant, graceful and highly decorative, they bring the fan-shaped design of the tops and the warm gilding into focus, becoming a distinctive and sophisticated highlight in both classical and contemporary interiors. They come with two glass tops that can be placed over the inlaid surface for protection if desired. The consoles differ in width by two centimetres, which suggests they were originally made to be fitted into a boiserie where the wall recesses differed by that measure.