An Italian carved giltwood console table, Venetian circa 1730

with a later shaped veneered Siena marble top within a scroll and foliate carved border on a trelliswork ground, the frieze centred by a female mask, the legs in the form of female terms suspending floral garlands joined by an x-form stretcher centred by the figure of Narcissus admiring his reflection in a pool of water, on boldly scrolled inward foliate carved feet

Old minor marks, chips and scratches and some old restorations generally to the carving. The gilding is dirty and would benefit from a light clean according to taste. The tip of the acanthus leaf on the left front foot is missing but this does not detract from the piece. The gilding has been lost around the pool of water on the stretcher which can easily be restored. There are two small cracks in the later mirrored section of the pool, which are not visible from photograph. There are some minor losses to the gilding on the body of Narcissus, which can easily be restored. There are some very minor hairline construction cracks generally, which can easily be filled and which do not detract from the piece. Some areas have been regilt. This is a very rare model, beautifully carved and is of museum quality.
"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:
Alvar González-Palacios, Il Tempio del Gusto, Vol. II, Milan, 1986, pp. 364-365, fig. 768.

This magnificent console table represents the apogee of Venetian carving in the second quarter of the 18th century. The mythological scene on the stretcher depicts Narcissus gazing at his reflection in a pool. Narcissus was a hunter who was renowned for his beauty and  was so proud that he disdained those who loved him and as a divine punishment, he fell in love with his own reflection in a pool, not realizing it was merely an image, and wasted away to death, not being able to leave the beauty of his own reflection.

It is worthwhile comparing the celebrated sumptuously carved giltwood console table in Ca'Rezzonico, Venice dating to around 1779. It is conceived in a similar vein with a shallow frieze, the whole carved with female terms, putti and volutes, and was originally in the Palazzo Ducale of Doge Paolo Renier, in Venice, illustrated by A.G.P., op. cit., p. 364, fig. 678.