A pair of important Italian Rococo carved giltwood console tables Sicily or Naples, second quarter 18th century

Marble tops with scattered restored breaks, chips and restorations; now refinished on reverse. Tables with scattered age and construction cracks with largest construction cracks on reverse. Scattered restored breaks to carving. Scattered abrasions and small losses and chips to carving. Gesso with cracks, chips, losses and minor flaking. Some later gesso in restored areas. Regilt, gilding with rubbing and losses. Scattered old worm damage, most to reverse and feet. In good condition.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A comparable pair of dolphins was a bequest from J.P. Morgan to The Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1906.  A series of four similar dolphins were carved by Filippo Maria Mongiardino for the Palazzo Spinola, Genoa, in the Galleria degli specchi in 1736.

The presence of aquatic creatures such as the giltwood dolphins and scallop shells in the manner of the most famous of Genoese sculptors, Filippo Parodi (1630-1702), finely carved with scrolls, are all typically features of Genoese furniture and the Rococo style in general. The overall composition and design, though, points to a more Southern composition.

Filippo Parodi, born in Genoa into a family of sculptors, was the most important sculptor of the Baroque in Genoa. Parodi developed his facility with wood, then transferred his mastery to marble in the 1670's after joining the studio of Bernini in Rome as an assistant (1655-1661), he returned to Genoa and worked with French sculptor Pierre Puget, whose work noticeably influenced Parodi's oeuvre. Parodi produced a number of pieces in wood that share similarities with these tables, echoing as well the overall influence of the Roman Baroque.