AN IMPORTANT GEORGE I CARVED GILT GESSO MARBLE TOPPED SIDE TABLE circa 1720

the rectangular grey and white marble top with a molded edge above a conforming frame, the cavetto molded frieze carved in low relief on a punched ground with upright scrolling acanthus leaves above a curved molding with a band of scrolling leaves also on a punched ground, and centered by a carved female mask with a braided hair and a plumed head dress within a foliate and scroll cartouche with diapered panels, the cabriole legs carved at the knees with bearded masks, flanked by foliated eagle heads with sprays of leaves in their beaks and on a diaperwork ground, the legs paneled with strap work with foliate scroll, punched and diaper ornament, and supported on acanthus wrapped scrolling toes below rising acanthus leaves.

Sir William H. Lever Bart., circa 1914

Sotheby's, New York, April 18, 2002, lot 655

Francis Lenygon, Furniture in England from 1660-1760, London, 1914, p. 256, fig. 387

In unrestored condition, retaining much of its original gilding and gesso beneath a layer of discolored varnish, dirt, over-gilding and bronze-colored paint. There are losses overall to the carved gesso and to some of the carved wood detail which is masked by this discolored surface. There are indications of old worm damage, although no structural damage is apparent other than old cracks following the lines of construction of the frame and legs. The marble top has had various breaks and repairs which have been consolidated with some inpainting on the cracks and with small losses to the edges overall. A table of exceptional design which, with careful conservation and repair, would reveal much of its original brilliance and quality.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

See:

Another gesso-topped table with a slightly different central mask and cartouche, is illustrated by J. Ceskinsky, English Furniture of the 18^th Century, London, vol. II, p. 111, fig. 107. This was also in Lever's collection and was possibly that sold at Christie's, New York, March 28, 1981, lot 201

G. Beard and C. Gilbert, Dictionary of English Furniture Makers, Leeds, 1986,  pp. 351-354, and 618-619

Macquoid and Edwards, The Dictionary of English Furniture, London, 1953, vol. II, p. 113, fig. 21

C. Gilbert, Furniture at Temple Newsam House and Lotherton Hall, Leeds, 1978, p. 352, item 444

 

W. H. Lever, later Viscount Leverhulme, was one of the most prolific collectors of English furniture in the first quarter of the 20^th century. The major portion of his collection is mow in the Lady Lever Art Gallery, and the contents of jis London residence, The Hill, Hampstead, were sold after his death at the Anderson Galleries, New York, February 1926. The remaining part of his collection was retained by his family until sold by the executors of the last Viscount Leverhulme by Sotheby's at Thornton Manor, The Wirral, Merseyside in 2001.