A George II carved mahogany side table Irish, circa 1755

the moulded rounded rectangular top above a bead-moulded freize, the apron with a punched ground centred by a lion mask flanked by elaborately pierced and carved  scrolling acanthus foliage and oak-leaf swags suspended from paterae, the sides with paterae hung with drapery festoons headed by diaper-hatched brackets, on cabriole legs with frond lappets to the knees and paw feet headed by acanthus scrolls

Probably supplied to Philip Doyne, (d. 11th March 1765) for Wells, Gorey, Co. Wexford.

Thence by descent (being at Wells until the house sold from the family circa 1964) to the present owner, Captain Patrick Doyne.

In beautiful un-restored original condition, retaining an exceptional rich patina throughout. The top with very slight lifting to front right corner which is only detectable by crouching down and inspecting at the same level. Old darkish stains to the top and a burn mark near the front. The rear edge of the top with a small concave chamfer. The apron drapery carved swags to both left and right sides are wobbly, the left one now being crudely held in place by three old visible screws. The left side also with losses to the beading and to the carving above the paterae heading the front leg. The rear right leg with an old break similarly crudely repaired with three old screws. Minor losses to the carved detail of the inside edge of the same leg to the side and also the paterae carved bracket above. Both the sides have a slightly dried-out mat appearance to the polished surface, no doubt due the table's situation for many years. Some typical rubbing and wear to the paw feet, mainly as expected to the front. Characteristic old marks and scratches throughout. Excellent proportions and size. A rare surviving example of its kind appearing on the auction market for the first time without any prior restoration.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

WELLS AND THE DOYNE FAMILY

The current table has descended in the Doyne family to the present owner most probably since it was initially commissioned for Wells in Co. Wexford. The House for which it would have been originally supplied was demolished after having been commandeered as a military barracks for nearly three years following the Rebellion of 1798. The house was subsequently replaced circa 1840 to a design by Daniel Robertson of Kilkenny for Robert Doyne and remained in the Doyne family until sold circa 1964.

The carving of this table typifies the work of mid-eighteenth century Irish cabinet makers and their imaginative use of carved decoration to the friezes and aprons of the side or pier tables produced at this time. The apron is centered by a deeply sculpted lion's head, which is probably one of the most recognisable features of Irish carving at this period. As noted by The Knight of Glin and James Peill in Irish Furniture - Woodwork and Carving in Ireland from the Earliest Times to the Act of the Union, Yale University Press, 2007, this image was possibly originally inspired by the architect Edward Lovett (c. 1699-1733), who 'was responsible for the introduction of the Kentian plaster tabernacle frame in the style of William Kent and the compartmented ceilings to the Irish interior' (Knight of Glin and James Peill, op. cit.). The use of oak-leaf and acorn carved swags to the apron is comparable to a table now in the City Art Museum of St. Louis, Missouri and illustrated in The Knight of Glin and James Peill, ibid., p.224, fig.75.

The heavy swags of oak leaves and acorn, sacred to Jupiter,  represent Kent's style, examples of which were included in Some Designs of Mr. Inigo Jones and Mr. Wm. Kent, published by John Vardy in 1744. A number of similarly designed and carved tables are recorded, many with the attributes of Jupiter and the shell of Venus,  the feet similarly carved with paws with foliate scrolled ankles. This almost certainly suggests a small and close-knit group of carvers, both working with architects and builders, and with local cabinetmakers, frame-makers and gilders, the relatively small group of local patrons presumably demanding similar fashionable furniture.

The current table is very closely related to an example that was formerly in the Collection of Tom Devenish which was offered for sale, Sotheby's New York, 24th April 2008, lot 33.