A Gothic Revival marquetry and carved oak library table Bohemian, circa 1850

inlaid with multiple fruitwoods and walnut, the hinged top with parquetry decoration to both sides, opening to reveal a well surrounded by inner drawers, above a frieze of alternating panels with marquetry designed buildings and carved figures holding paper scrolls, all sitting on carved end supports joined by a frieze of drawers, stretchers and pierced frieze of Gothic tracery 

In overall good conserved condition. Colour overall less orange more natural and attractive then in the catalogue photograph. Old minor marks, chips and scratches commensurate with normal use. There has been shrinkage of the central panel on the top leaving gaps which can either be filled or left. There are some scattered age cracks and slight lifting to the veneer which is not too noticeable. There is a construction crack in some of the recessed carved panels with figures e.g. the two men with a book. There are some restored minor breaks to the tracery on the base. There is a vertical construction crack down the tracery arch down one side and a hairline split in the other. There is a circular patch to the left side on the corner of the base which is not too noticeable. There are some very minor losses to the veneer with an approximate 4cm long section on the border of the top missing. Two ring handles on the internal drawers are off but present and can easily be reattached.
"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:
Heinrich Kreisel, Die Kunst des Deutschen Möbels, 1973, Munich, Vol. III, pl. 723.

An almost identical table to the present lot is published by Kreisel in his seminal Die Kunst des Deutschen Möbels, with a potential attribution to the Austrian architect Karl Fischer. This table is still part of the collections at Hrádek u Nechanic in Bohemia, a Gothic revival project by the hand of the Scottish Edward Buckton Lamb (1806–1869) made for Count František Arnošt of Harach.

Whilst Lamb was in charge of the architecture, Fischer designed the interiors, although some of the furniture was acquired by the count in the region. By repute, the top section of the table at Hrádek u Nechanic was part of a table where Martin Luther translated the Bible into German at the castle in Wartburg. 

One other similar example to these two tables exists in Sychrov Castle, also in the Czech Republic, owned in the 19th century by the French family Rohan and refurbished around the same time as Hrádek u Nechanic.