A pair of giltwood and ivory painted neo-classical guéridon tables, possibly North European late 18th/first quarter 19th century

each in the form of a tripod, with a moulded mottled liver grey and white marble top and guilloche frieze with a patera above a ram's mask on inward curved beaded and piastre carved legs terminating in paw feet joined by a ribbed ring stetcher on a circular foliate carved platform base centred by a patera

In overall good conserved condition. Gilding less greenish more golden and attractive than in the catalogue photograph.There are a few very minor scattered areas of infill to the marble tops which are hardly noticeable. Both with a paper label inscribed GELY W 1063. Some very minor retouching to the gilding of the ram's head of one.There are some very minor hairline cracks and construction cracks generally commensurate with age and normal usage.The gilding is nicely worn to the red bole in places especially on the stretchers. On one there is evidence when the piece is turned upside down and old glue repair. Marble tops probably later.
"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:
Svend Eriksen, Early Neo-Classicism in France, London, 1974, plate 370 and p. 385.

Although this very unusual pair of guéridon tables must obviously have be inspired by Louis XVI models of athéniennes, due to the nature of their construction in a softwood,  they may well have a North European origin. The dissemination of the Louis XVI style throughout Europe in the 18th century and the revival in the `Antique taste' is well documented. This pair of guéridons may have been inspired by an engraving by J.J. Flipart published in 1765 under the title of la Vertueuse Athénienne, which was taken from a painting executed around 1763 by Joseph-Marie Vien originally entitled `Une Prêtresse qui brûle de l'encens sur un trépied.'  The engraving depicts and athénienne with ram's masks at the head of inward curved legs carved with a paistra motif on hoof feet. The athénienne was re-discovered by J.-H. Eberts in 1773, the editor of the Monument du Costume.