Monumental 19th-century Piedmontese console table in carved and gilded wood with cherubs and masks, 19th century, 175x70, in need of restoration
This majestic wall-mounted console table reflects the Italian Baroque style with a complex and elaborate decorative scheme. Crafted from hand-carved wood with a gold leaf finish, the piece features a base with two large, curved cabriole legs that end in lion’s paw feet. Each leg is surmounted by a prominent lion-headed mask carved in high relief. The top consists of a slab of veined gray marble, shaped and molded along the edge. The band beneath the top is richly decorated with acanthus volutes and beading. The central crosspiece is deeply carved and features a pedestal supporting a large floral vase. The connecting element features four cherub figures: two upper figures flanking the vase and two lower figures seated on the volutes, one of which is depicted playing a lute or a guitar. The side posts feature winged caryatids in the shape of mermaids. The rear construction reveals a support frame made of rough-hewn secondary wood, typical of furniture intended to be mounted on a wall. There are no visible manufacturer’s marks, signatures, or labels on the surfaces of the piece.
The piece shows signs of aging and wear consistent with its period. The marble top exhibits significant erosion and loss of material along the front and side edges, with evident porosity on the surface (photos 4, 7). The gilded finish has numerous gaps and areas where the gilding has peeled away, revealing the layer of plaster and the wood beneath; this is particularly visible on the legs (photo 3), the cherubs (photos 5, 6), and the crosspiece. Several structural cracks are visible in the carved wood, including a prominent crack on the acanthus leaf on the left (photo 1) and on the lower volute base (photo 6). There are accumulations of dust and deposits consistent with long-term storage within the deep carvings, as well as small missing pieces and scattered chips on the ornamental details.
