This elegant and beautifully carved wooden center table from France incorporates design elements from two of the most popular French periods.

The intricate hand-carved base exhibits aspects of the Rococo style: highly ornamental with asymmetrical carvings, scrolling curves and gilding.  Although the wood has since been stripped, the table has a few faint traces of gold remaining in places.  The white gesso/paint has been partially left throughout the table base and then glazed over to produce a beautiful and unique finish.

This table can also be described as a Louis XIV “table à gibier”, which is a marble top French  table that was used to hold and display game.  Tables from this period typically have x-shaped stretchers, such as ours.

The thick Rouge marble top is also referred to as Rosso Daniel, which is quarried in Spain.  Rich brown, white and gray veins give an added depth to the natural dark red color of the stone.  The beveled and serpentine shape of the marble mesh perfectly with the flowing carvings of the base.  Note the intricately carved urn finial that sits atop the middle of the stretchers.  Directly above, in the middle of the apron, is a large pierced foliate shell.  The carvings are near identical on the front and back of the table.

Place this lovely French center table in a living room or entryway to brighten up the room or display a piece of art.

CONDITION:  Very good condition. Restoration to one corner of the marble (see photos).  Small repairs to the wood carvings and minor nicks.