A REMARKABLE CENTER TABLE WITH INSCRIBED TOP MADE WITH A MOSAIC

11639 A REMARKABLE CENTER TABLE WITH INSCRIBED TOP MADE WITH A MOSAIC OF ANCIENT SPECIMEN MARBLES COLLECTED FROM THE SITE OF THE PALACE OF THE CAESARS IN THE FARNESE GARDENS, ROME The Top Probably Rome. Circa 1845. Base Designed To Support Top. Circa 1980s. Measurements: Width: 35 1/2″ (90.2 cm) Height: 32 1/2″ (82.5 cm)

Research
Of various marbles. The circular statuary marble top with various Marmora Romana specimens (see figure 6) within a white border with incised writing to the top and edge (see marks). The top supported on a later brown painted faux mahogany base with plain frieze resting on four scrolled legs, the whole on a conforming molded plinth base. Originally gilded, still present below painted surface. Old repair to top with stone reinforcing plate to underside

Marks:
Inscribed to the border of the table top:
SO THAT MY BONDS FOR CHRIST ARE MANIFEST IN ALL CESAR’S [sic] COURT, AND IN ALL OTHER PLACES. – PHIL.S 1-13 ΩΣΤΕ ΤΟΥΣ ΔΕΣΜΟΥΣ ΜΟΥ ΦΑΝΕΡΩΣ ΕΝ ΧΡΙΣΤΩ ΓΕΝΕΣΘΑΙ ΕΝ ΟΛΩ “ΤΩ ΠΡΑΙΤΩΡΙΩ.” ΕΠΙΣΤ. ΠΡΟΣ ΦΙΛΙΠΠ. Α . ΙΓ Α .D. 64.

Inscribed to the edge of the table top:
THESE PIECES OF MARBLE WERE COLLECTED (AD 1844) IN THE FARNESE GARDENS AMONG THE RUINS OF THE PALACE OF THE CÆSARS (TO ΠΡΑΙΤΩΡΙON) WHICH WAS BURNT DOWN AD 6

Small paper label to the underside of the top states:
Loyd-Paxton Works of Art 24598

Brass plaque on base beneath top reads:
RESTORATIONS COMMISSIONED BY / LOYD-PAXTON / ACCOMPLISHED BY / JOHN OFFERLE, MASTERCRAFTSMAN

FROM THE COLLECTION OF LOYD-PAXTON, DALLAS, TEXAS

Provenance:
From the collection of Loyd-Paxton, Dallas, Texas

This impressive center table incorporates a fascinating and colorful specimen marble mosaic top, with inscription around the perimeter that commemorates the historical origin of the marbles used: THESE PIECES OF MARBLE WERE COLLECTED (AD 1844) IN THE FARNESE GARDENS AMONG THE RUINS OF THE PALACE OF THE CÆSARS (TO ΠΡΑΙΤΩΡΙON) WHICH WAS BURNT DOWN AD 64

A further epigraph around the border on the top of the table reads: SO THAT MY BONDS FOR CHRIST ARE MANIFEST IN ALL CESAR’S COURT, AND IN ALL OTHER PLACES. – Phils 1:13. It is also repeated in Greek with one deviation at the end; after stating the Bible chapter and verse number, it concludes by giving the date of 64 AD.

Full research report available on request.