A PAIR OF GEORGE II CARVED GILTWOOD EAGLE PIER TABLES circa 1740

each with a later rectangular veneered figured alabaster top, with black line inlays and cross banded with striated alabaster and conforming veneered edges, above a conforming frieze carved with Vitruvian scrolls within egg-and-tongue and ribbon-and-rose moldings, supported on massive eagles with outspread wings perched on rock-work bases, the solid plinths with foliate carved moldings.

Good restored condition, re-gilt, some minor age cracks to tails and wings, some minor chips and wear to the gilding, later alabaster tops with some minor wear and very minor chips to edges.
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.

Tables with eagle supports are commonly described 'in the manner of William Kent', although only one published design by him is recorded which has any relationship to this form, and there are no documented examples which can with certainty be attributed to him. Kent's design was used as a tail-piece in Pope's edition of Homer's Odyssey, which was published 1725/26, and shows two fighting eagles with out-spread wings standing on a large pier table with a Greek-key ornamented frame above a solid, shaped base ornamented with Bacchic masks and garlands. An interesting trade card, dated 1739, of Francis Brodie, the Edinburgh cabinetmaker, illustrates a group of furniture within an interior, including a related console table with an eagle support.