A fine and rare Italian Renaissance carved walnut centre table, Florentine 16th century

with a rectangular moulded top above a lunette carved frieze on shaped supports in the form of addorsed cherub masks terminating in boldly scrolled acanthus and piastre motif centered by a scrolled boss with an unidentifiable coat of arms of joined by an ancanthus leaf carved stretcher centered by a scolled boss with an unidentifiable coat of arms on paw feet



 

There is a horizontal construction crack across the top commensurate with age, which can easily be filled or left. There is a small gouge in the top which shows evidence of filler in parts and there is pitting, water stains and scratches commensurate with normal usage.The top has a horizontal construction crack There is a vertical construction crack down both supports one of which is slightly more prominent than the other which can easily be filled or left and there are a few other smaller cracks commensurate with age.There is a crack across the stretcher which does not detract from the piece. Very attractive detail to carving. Some of the nails on the paw foot have been chipped off. Impressive large size. In overall good condition. Good table with inventively designed supports. Recommended collector's piece.
"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:
A. Feulner, Kunstgeschichte des möbels,  Berlin, 1927, p. 113, plate 104, for a related table in the Museo Nazionale, Florence, reproduced here in fig.1.
William Odom, A History of Italian Furniture from the 14th to the early 19th centuries, Vol. I, New York, 1966, p. 163, plate 145.
A.Pedrini, Italian Furniture, interiors and decorations of the XV-XVI centuries, London, 1949, p. 106, fig. 281, for another related centre table in the Castello di Monselice, reproduced here in fig. 2.

In the Renaissance period, the rectangular centre table with broad lateral supports joined by a stretcher was the most common form of table and derived from Roman marble tables consisting of a solid top set on two solid lateral side supports usually decorated with animals.The long tables of the High Renaissance have tops resting on ends secured with stretchers but it was more refined and the lateral supports were elaborately carved so that the stretchers did not pierce them but instead had a socket cut out on the inside which held the stretcher in place. Most of the elements on this table also derive from antique models such as the paw foot and the moulding around the border of the top which is a feature found on 16th century tables of this type.

It is also worthwhile considering a table formerly in the Elia Volpi Collection at the Davanzati Palace, purchased by the Frick, New York, in the Volpi sale in 1916,  illustrated by R. Ferrrazza, Palazzo Davanzati, e le collezioni di Elia Volpi, Florence, 1994, p. 185, fig. 180.

Also see a related table formerly in the collection of Mrs Barbara Piasecka Johnson, sold in these Rooms, as lot 76, Haute Epoque, 1st November 2005.