A gilt-bronze-mounted mahogany and acajou moucheté centre table in the manner of Jacob Desmalter empire, circa 1810

the circular gilt-bronze banded top above three winged lioness monopodia supports carved with a stylised anthemion on a concave-sided triform base on block feet

Gallery Steinitz, Paris

In overall good condition. There is a hairline construction crack running across the top which can easily be filled or left as it does not detract from the piece together with a couple of other hairline cracks. There is a slight gap between the gilt-bronze border and top due to natural shrinkage and the gilt-bronze border is slightly worn in places. There some very minor restorations to the veneer of the frieze which have been well executed. The winged lionesses are very well carved. There is an old restored break to the wing of one which has been so well executed and is hardly noticeable. There are later wooden supports to the top in pine and there is a further block beneath the top possibly to strengthen the split.
"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."

Comparative Literature:
Thomas Hope, Household Furniture and Interior Decoration, London 1807, No 25 plate V, for a design for a similar table with lion in bronze reproduced here in fig. 1.

Also see Alvar González-Palacios, Il Gusto dei Principi, Milan, 1993, Vol. II, p. 37, fig. 40 for a design by J.-L. David, in the Louvre Museum,  Paris, and fig. 41., for a design by  PP.. Choffard, circa 1777, for a table on lion monopodia conceived in a similar vein to the offerred lot.