A carved giltwood neoclassical console table, late 18th/early 19th century

with a rectangular mottled russet, peach, brown  and white marble top above a Vitruvian scroll carved frieze with a ribbon-tied medallion with the trophies of Love and with a patera on each block issuing floral swags, on six fluted tapering legs headed by stiff leaves joined by a shaped pierced stretcher carved with guilloche centred by a neoclassical urn entwined with ribboned berried laurel, on toupie feet: regilt

Partridge, London

In overall good conserved condition, Old minor marks chips and scratches and the gilding is flaked off in places as visible from the catalogue photograph. Attractive detail to the carving. Evidence of glue t the top of one side of the swag on the left side which would benefit from some attention. Internally one can see that the swags on the side friezes have been repined. Reblocked, Gilding in need of some minor retouching in places.
"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:
Brigitte Langer, Die Möbel der Residenz München, I, Die französischen Möbel des 18. Jahrhunderts, Munich , 1995, pp. 238-241, no. 64.

This exceptionally well carved console table in terms of its neo-classical design with the ribbon-tied medallion with Trophies of Love on the frieze, floral swags and tapering legs joined by stretchers centred by a neo-classical urn, is conceived in a similar vein to a pair of console tables attributed to François-Joseph Duret (1729, Valenciennes -1816 Paris), now in the Residenz, Munich (Inv. Res. Mü.M 121, 122), illustrated by Langer, op. cit., pp. 238-239 and 241. 

Only very few items of interior decoration by Duret are recorded, although he worked with the architects Chalgrin and Boullée. He produced eight console tables for Schloss Karlsberg where the tables were originally situated, as well as producing the frames, mirrors, fireplaces and tapestries. The use of flower garlands is very characteristic of Duret. The two console tables in the Residenz differ from those by Georges Jacob who also produced many works for Schloss Karlsberg. Specifically the apron of the console table consists of one piece in Jacob’s work while Duret’s console is made of two individual pieces.