A pair of Italian carved giltwood corner console tables, Roman second quarter 18th century

each with a verde antico and giallo antico veneered marble top, above cabriole legs joined by a stretcher centred by a stylised scallopshell on paw and block feet, the whole carved with scrolls, foliage and lambrequins, together with two modern upholstered corner frames (not illustrated)

These tables are in overall very good condition. There is minor old worm damage. Both have very minor losses to gilding and slight characteristic scuffing to the feet. Table 1: Old repaired breaks to the stretcher which are not very noticeable. Table 2: There is an old restored break to the top right hand support and some very minor characteristic age cracks along the lines of construction. Both marble tops have some minor restored and filled chips around the edges.
"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 Rococò in Italia Arredi e decorazioni d'interni dal 1738 al 1775, Milan, 2003, pp. 138-141.

This pair of beautifully carved corner console tables would seem to indicate a carver and gilder of exceptional skill due to the fluidity of the carving and balanced composition

There is in Palazzo Colonna in Rome, a console table stated to be Roman, with a verde antico marble top, with carving on the stretcher conceived in a similar vein to that upon this pair of corner console tables with fluidly carved rocaille, scallopshells and flowers.

There is a series of console tables on hoof feet, in Palazzo Corsini, Rome, illustrated by Colle, op. cit., p 138, aquired around 1736, which were gilded by Giacomo Bonario and it is worthwhile comparing them with this pair. Five years later, another gilder Giuseppe Corsini delivered in 1747 `un tavolino...Intagliato alla franchese'...`con cartelle e festoni, e le crociata intagliata con Chocchiglie, e Festoni et altri ornamenti...'. Although one cannot stae for certain, the quality of the offered pair of corner console tables would seem to indicate a carver and gilder who worked for the Court.