Antique Louis XIV Style Polychromed Rectangular Dining Center Table Ca. 1900

LARGE LOUIS XIV STYLE FAUX-MARBLE POLYCHROMED AND PARCEL GILDED CENTER TABLE
Continental, circa 1900
Item # 403PZN18S

A large and striking center table made in the Louis XIV style from the turn of the century, it features a mottled green faux-marbelized wood top surrounded by a robust gadrooned molding that has a wonderfully worn patina. Time and gentle use has rubbed through the polychroming to the underlying red bole which has become waxy and silky to the touch.

Every aspect of the table exudes strength and boldness, the large apron with its wonderful carved giltwood acanthus displays more than matched by the powerful legs with their inset panels of foliage and anthemion carvings over squared feet. All four feet are decorated with rosettes around the ankles and sharply carved foliage above the toes with an overall gilding that has worn through to reveal the underlying hues of white and brick red.

The legs do not require any stretcher in light of their sheer structural strength, but for balance and division of negative space the designer of the table included a wonderful scrolling stretcher that culminates in the center with a display of foliage curling down from a central pod. The underside of the table retains an early label from Paris dated to February 6th of 1938.

An absolute strikepoint piece that works well as a dining table, as a desk in a large study or library or as a center table in a hall or entry.

Measurements: 29 7/8″ H x 33 1/4″ D x 78 5/8″ W

Condition Report:
Original paint decoration throughout, the surface with wear and blemish consistent with age and gentle use: scuffs to the top with a few dings, wear throughout the edges of the table through the paint surface to the underlying wood, abrading to the legs; the stretcher has some wiggle to it, as the joints with the legs have opened slightly – a batten was applied to the underside of the joints at one point – while this could certainly be addressed by a restoration firm, it has no impact on the structure or function. Shrinkage cracks throughout and some seam visibility in the top planks from shrinkage and movement of the wood. Incredibly sturdy and strong.