A pair of Italian veneered alabaster topped carved giltwood console tables, Roman circa 1730

each with a rectangular veneered alabaster top above a pierced frieze carved with scrolls centred by a winged mask, on boldly scrolled legs, the knees with a winged female bust joined by an x-form stretcher centred by a grotesque mask with scrolls and leaves and a lambrequin headdress, on inward scrolled feet; both with some restored elements

In overall good conserved condition and can be placed immediately.They are rare as a pair and have stunning tops. Colour of gilding slightly darker overall and more natural and attractive than in the photograph. Some very minor losses and chips to the gilding which can easily be touched up. Old minor restorations generally to the carving which have been well executed and are hardly noticeable. On one the right frieze has been replaced and on the other table a section on the stretcher has been replaced. The side friezes on both and the stretcher have been strengthened at the back. Evidence of very minor old worm which appears to be no longer active. There are hairline cracks and cracks generally commensurate with age and use and do not detract from the piece. Tops: Colour of alabaster slightly darker and more attractive than in the catalogue photograph. There are old very minor marks, chips, scratches, pitting and areas of infill as visible from photograph. Minor areas of restoration. On one top there is a very small hole in the centre approx 3.5cm wide as visible on p. 37, which can easily be filled. (Max to recheck tops in galleries)
"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."

This magnificent pair of sumptuously carved tables with beautifully veneered alabaster tops and carved with busts, masks and scrolls are typical of the skilled carving of the Roman ebeniste and intagliatore of the early 18th century. They relate closely to a group of tables in the Palazzo Quirinale in Rome, see Alvar González-Palacios, Il Patrimonio artistico del Quirinale, I Mobili Italiani, Milan, 1996, p. 157-167, where he illustrates and discusses various related examples, in amongst others, Castello Sforzesco, Milan, Palazzo Corsini, Rome, Palazzo Quirinale Rome. The most closely related example is the one in the Musei Capitolini, Rome. 

There is a paucity of information on the craftsmen who worked on these impressive Roman console tables, although various craftsmen are recorded who were working at the same time at the royal Portuguese court, one of whom Francesco Tibaldi an intagliatore who is recorded as working in the first quarter of the 18th century and is known to have supplied designs for `cartelli ornate di foglie di quercia con mascherone in mezz...robba minuta alla francese con gradinate con scorniciature tutta ornata di robbe minute con mascare esfingiarelle'.  

Also see Goffredo Lizzani, Il Mobile Romano, Milan, 1970, where he illustrates, p. 69, plate 106, a related console table with a mask on the frieze and female busts on the knees, circa 1640-1650,  (originally in the Collection of the Marchese Giovanni Battista Sacchetti), now in the Palazzo Quirinale, Rome.

It is also worthwhile comparing a related Roman console table, sold lot 872, by Sotheby's, on behalf of the Executors of the 6th Earl of Rosebery and his family, Mentmore, Volume I, Mentmore, Buckinghamshire, 20th May 1977.