Italy, circa 1850

Inspired by Roman antique mosaic floorings, specimen marble tables like the present lot became a highly prized acquisition for visitors to Italy during the 19^th century as the incredible variety of ancient marbles and hardstones were a material testament of that ancient civilization but also an exquisite example of contemporary Italian craftsmanship.

The folded pattern motif of its border seems to be a choice motif of the skilled maker Alfonso Cavamelli, who signed a comparable example dated 1832, sold Christie’s Paris, from the collection of the marquises de Ravenel, 22 November 2007 (€401,300).