An Italian carved giltwood console table, Roman first quarter 18th century

with a shaped veneered fossilised mottled peach and white marble top supported by two kneeling mermaids and two acanthus wrapped  trelliswork scrolled supports on a rockwork base: regilt; regessoed

In overall good conserved condition. The colour is slightly darker overall and the gilding is more golden and attractive than in the catalogue photograph. Old marks chips and scratches to the top which has been restored. The rear corners of the marble top have been restored and there are other restorations and there is a medium size chip to both rear corners which are not too noticeable. There are scattered cracks generally in the giltwood figures. There is a vertical crack running down the backs of both and also there are cracks to the rockwork base which can easily be filled. There are some minor losses to the carving of carving eg the acanthus scroll on the base of the right side and part of the tail on the same side. There is also a restored break to the tail of the figure on the left side which would benefit from some further attention.The giltwood figures have old restorations.
"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 Baroco in Italia, Milan, 2000, pp. 118-119.
Goffredo Lizzani, Il Mobile Romano, Milan, 1970, p. 66, plate 101.

This impressive console table with mermaids supporting the marble top is conceived in a similar vein to a related console table with a similar female figure with wings, in the Capitoline Museum in Rome, illustrated by Lizzani op. cit., p. 66, plate 101.

It is interesting that Colle, op. cit., p. 119, illustrates a design for a table with mermaid supports by Giovanni Paolo Schor, circa 1660-1690 (Royal Collection Windsor Castle), which may well have inspired the maker of this table. Furthermore, one should not discount the influence of Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Triton fountain in Piazza Barberini, Rome, 1651-1654, illustrated op. cit., p. 119. Also see the same author, p. 119, for a gilded mermaid dating to the early 18th century also in the Capitoline Museum, Rome.