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Exceptionally Rare Silvered Gesso Table by James Moore, circa 1715

Creator: James Moore Sr
Offered by: Acroterion

Description
Exceptional and exceptionally rare circa 1715 rectangular form table having original silvered (white gold leaf) gesso finish with incised top having central spread-winged eagle on cloud surrounded by punchwork, foliate, and strapwork motifs surmounting acanthus motif frieze above decorated apron joining cabriole legs with acanthus motifs ending on four pointed acanthus motif 'Spanish' feet. Though unmarked, as is typical, this table is firmly attributed to the workshop of James Moore. When first constructed, the table would have appeared to be of solid silver, illustrating the wealth of the owner. Silvered gesso furniture of the Queen Anne and George I periods is extremely rare as what is typically found is yellow gold gilded, see below. Early 20th-century metal museum or private collection tag affixed to underside. Biography & Literature: "James Moore (c. 1670 - 1726) was one of the leading furniture makers in London during the first quarter of the 18th century. He seems initially to have worked closely with John Gumley, but by 1712 had established his own workshop at Nottingham Court, Short's Gardens, in the parish of St. Giles-in-the-Fields. Benjamin Goodison became one of his journeymen, and his son James Moore (d. 1734) carried on the business. The firm was involved in furnishing Blenheim Palace, Burlington House, Dalkeith Palace and probably Boughton, although the only provenanced furniture incised 'MOORE' is in the Royal collection." - C. Gilbert, Pictorial Dictionary of Marked London Furniture, 1700-1840, Leeds, 1996, page 41. A very similar pair of tables to the one on offer is illustrated on page 562 in "The Connoisseur's Complete Period Guides to the Houses, Decoration, Furnishing and Chattels of the Classic Periods" by Ralph Edwards and L.G.G. Ramsey, Bonanza Books, New York, 1968. The tables illustrated and referenced are described as "highly exceptional because they are silvered and not gilded, there being very little silvered gesso furniture extant."

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Origin:	England
Period:	18th Century
Materials:	Silver-gilt gessoed carved wood
Condition:	Excellent. Remarkable condition for age and use.
Creation Date:	circa 1715
Styles / Movements:	Georgian, George I, Queen Anne
Book References:	C. Gilbert, Pictorial Dictionary of Marked London Furniture, 1700-1840, Leeds, 1996, p. 41. R. Edwards, The Connoisseur's Complete Period Guides to the Houses, Decoration, Furnishing and Chattels of the Classic Periods, Bonanza, NY, 1968, p. 562.
Incollect Reference #:	271649

Dimensions

W.	33.13 in;	H.	29.5 in;	D.	20.82 in;
W.	84.15 cm;	H.	74.93 cm;	D.	52.88 cm;

Message from Seller:

Acroterion, the company, founded in late 2012, is by appointment in the historic Hudson Valley of upstate New York specializing in exceptional fine and decorative art from eastern to western, ancient to current; with a focus on the unique and timeless. The curated inventory is ever-changing and discriminately chosen by the founder and owner Randal Dawkins. Having a passion for fine objects and design from an early age, Mr. Dawkins graduated in 2004 from Sotheby’s Institute of Art, London.

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