French Empire Antique Mahogany Gilt Bronze Marble Pier Table circa 1820

EMPIRE ORMOLU-MOUNTED MAHOGANY PIER TABLE
France, circa 1820

Mahogany, mahogany veneers, oak, gilt bronze, brass, marble

35 3/8" H x 18 1/4" D x 51 1/4" W

A very good Empire period mahogany pier table of austere form and good proportions, it retains its original mottled white marble top which projects only subtly over the sides of the frieze. The apron has a single full-width drawer dressed in brilliant book-matched mahogany veneers that create a fine flaming grain profile that extends from the middle outward in almost perfectly symmetrical undulating bands. The drawer is hung with original fire-gilt mounts featuring an eagle under a laurel wreath flanked by inward facing cupid figures on either side dancing along a bow with its string twisted around the length of it. On either side of this are equally spaced opposing sea-monsters and on each corner is a more typical anthemion mount over acanthus. Note the fine quality of the casting for each mount - minute attention to detail, stippling, chasing and texturing. The feathers of the eagles body are brilliantly chiseled in tiny incised lines.

The form is simple and effective: the frieze and stretcher base almost perfectly balanced in weight, the columns tapering only ever-so-slightly and the back nearly disappearing with the mirrored glass. Everything about the form is subtle and understated.

Left largely untouched with the rich patina and old repairs from the last two centuries intact, it would benefit from being repolished but would lose a portion of its old world charm. As such, we have decided to leave it exactly as-found.

Condition: Numerous areas of veneer patching and shrinkage cracking to the veneers (note the sides and turret corners of the base as well as old filled crack down the center of the base shelf). Old finish with blemishes, chipping and loss as expected. Gilt bronze with tarnish and grime. Marble appears to be original with discolorations and chips. Mirrored glass not examined for originality, but is probably replaced; with oxidization and silvering losses. Ready to place.

ref. 509PWF12D