A George III cream and blue painted pier table, by François Hervé, circa 1790

the moulded grey marble top above a panelled frieze on fluted tapering legs, traces of earlier red paint visible, marble top with old break

Commissioned by William Cavendish, 5th Duke of Devonshire (1748-1811) for the Dining Room at Chatsworth;
Sotheby's, Chatsworth: the Attic Sale, 5 October 2010, lot 245 

Related Literature: I. Hall, 'A neoclassical episode at Chatsworth', The Burlington Magazine, June 1980, pl. 53.

In country house condition and would benefit from further restoration. Movement to joints, such as the front right corner join, which might benefit from attention and has resulted in cracks to the painted surface, notably to the frieze tablets. The marble top is split in two and has metal supports to the underside. The right half of the top with two significant losses, photographs can be requested via the department. The marble with old marks and chips consistent with age. Losses to ivory paint as visible from the photograph and generally with minor old chips and loses consistent with age and use. With circular label to the reverse 'CHATSWORTH 2010 // 245 // SOTHEBY'S' and a further inside the frame, loose.
"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."

The late 18th century Dining Room at Chatsworth was strikingly all painted in white, an example of the 5th Duke and Duchesses's avant guard taste, which did not please the next generation, with the 6th Duke altering the decoration of the room into its present form, aided by Sir Jeffry Wyatville. During the 5th Duke's period, William Talman's original panelling and doric pilasters were painted white, and served as a background to Hervé's set of six white-painted frames, which supported 'dove grey marble tops' of which the present lot possibly formed a part, together with two later adapted side tables also sold Sotheby's, 5 October 2010, lot 244. It should be noted that the present table has traces of what appears to be the original red painted decoration and could have therefore been intended for a different state apartment.