An unusual and rare pair of Italian painted, lacca a mecca and faux marbre console tables, probably Roman late 17th century

each with a painted faux verde antico marbre serpentine top above a scrolled foliate carved frieze supported by a kneeling figure in drapery on a rockwork base, the figure painted to simulate patinated bronze on scrolled feet

Colours slightly darker and much more attractive in reality with more contrast than in the catalogue photograph. Old very minor marks, chips and scratches to the ebony and ebonising generally commensurate with age. There are some very minor paint losses especially along the rear edge of one top, but these can either be left or touched up.The top has been strengthened beneath with batons, and the left frieze on one table shows evidence of an old glue restoration, but this does not detract from the piece. There is a scroll chipped off the front left corner of the same table. The painting of the figures has been refreshed. On the other table, the rear support has been strengthened at the back, and there are also later batons beneath the top, and there also appears to be a later strip of wood running along the back of the top. There is a later block beneath the rear left foot. There is an old, very minor restoration to the right shoulder, both knees, and his left arm shows evidence of worm damage. There is also a difference in the carving on the rear supports, as on one of the tables the support has been carved with a scroll. A highly unusual pair of tables in overall good conserved condition. A rare model, with a bold sculptural quality to the figures. Recommended.
"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:
Enrico Colle, Il Mobile Baroco in Italia, Arredi e Decorazioni d' Interni dal 1600 al 1738, Milam, 2000, pp. 114-115, no. 25. 
G. Lizzani, Il Mobile Romano, Milan, 1970, p. 73, plate 112.

This unusual pair of console tables painted to simulate bronze with kneeling figures is characteristic of furniture which was being made for the most sumptuous Italian baroque interiors at the end of the 17th and beginning of the 18th centuries. The furniture was very sculptural and Colle, op. cit., pp. 114-115, illustrates various console tables with these very sculptural figural supports. 

Furthermore, there is a Roman carved giltwood console table in the Sala Grande of the Galleria, Palazzo Colonna, Rome, which has supports in the form of reclining slaves conceived in a similar vein, illustrated by Colle, op. cit., p. 115. The same author also illustrates another console table with kneeling supports in the Sala della Colonna Bellica, Galleria, Palazzo Colonna, Rome, p. 114. Finally Colle, op. cit., p.  114, illustrates a table from the same group, stated to be post 1688, now in the Sala dei Paessaggi, Galleria, Palazzo Colonna, Rome, which was recorded as having been carved by Isidoro Beati, reproduced here in fig.1.