A Transitional gilt-bronze mounted and lacquered table de salon by Pierre Garnier circa 1760

with a brocatelle marble top, stamped P GARNI(ER); the top repaired

Le Garde Meuble Public, Bedel & Cie, Paris;
Paris, Drouot, 28 April 1995, lot 232.  

C. Huchet de Quénetain, Pierre Garnier, Paris, 2003, cat. 47, p. 144 (illustrated). 

This rare table is in reasonable condition. There are overall marks and scratches consistent with age and use. The marble top displaying old repairs. One of the upper supports with a break in need of some attention. The undertier with slight warping consistent with age. One foot has been broken and repaired. Overall flaking and minor losses to the painted decoration.
"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."

Pierre Garnier (1726-1800), received maître in 1742.

This rare table de salon, unique in Garnier's oeuvre, is finished in vernie polie, a sort of lacquered oil painting that achieved popularity in France as a more economical version of the vernis "façon de la Chine".

The unusual pierced legs have an illustrious antecedent in the mechanical table by Jean-François Oeben and RVLC in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (inv. no. 1982.60.61).