A pair of Italian painted and parcel-gilt console tables and mirrors, Neapolitan circa 1790

the mirrors with a molded cornice above a series of parcel-gilt birds supporting foliate festoons, the recessed upper mirror plate with an angle bracket to each corner and ribbon tied foliate surround above a principal mirror plate with conforming decoration including urn motifs, the demi lune tables with molded white marble tops above a frieze, again with parcel-gilt birds and foliate festoons on four waisted legs with fluting

Mirrors: Some minor losses to gilding, which is attractively carved. There are construction cracks generally as visible form photograph, which can either be left or filled. There is also a section of moulding missing from the bottom left corner of the mirrored panel on the top, which will need to be replaced. There is water staining on both, especially to the right side of one, which may not be apparent from the photograph. The carved bird on one has its head missing. Gilding will need attention. Console tables: Marble tops are slightly dirty and would benefit from a light clean according to taste. Minor pitting to marble tops and stains. There is a medium sized chip to the rear right corner of one marble top but this is not too noticeable.The painting and gilding on the console tables has been refreshed and the piece has also been regessoed. There are chips to the decoration generally, as visible from photograph which will need attention. There are some hairline construction cracks on the frieze, which can either be left or filled. On one of the tables, the head of one of the birds on the far right corner has been chipped off and will need replacing. On the same table, on the front frieze, part of a garland has been chipped off and will need re-carving. On the same table, the base of the frieze above the front right leg is coming away and will need filling. The inside of the tables have been painted ivory. The tables need some minor attention, but once restored will look most attractive.
"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."

These fine tables and their accompanying mirrors are typical of a refined form of neo-classicism seen on Neapolitan furniture which is typically symmetrical and utilises architectural motifs. In this case, these motifs - the foliate festoons and eagles with outstretched wings, are heightened with parcel-gilt on a delicate pastel ground to enhance a sense of the sculpted friezes seen in the architecture of the antique.