Carved and gilded wood console, Louis XV period

Work in carved limewood, gilded with leaf.
Pyrenean marble

Width 145cm
Depth 70cm
Height 84cm

This superb console table of imposing dimensions is perfectly balanced. It is a Rocaille work, executed in the middle of the 18th century, with ornamentation of scrolls and plant elements. The sculpture is abundant, vigorous and precise, whether on the four feet, the front belt or the sides.

During the reign of Louis XV, curves are generous and volumes powerful. Asymmetry was allowed in the ornamentation, and the numerous openwork sections reinforced the impression of fluidity. This piece is a prime example.

The absence of a brace is falsely synonymous with a systematic Provençal attribution. Many carved wood consoles without braces were made in Paris, and this is certainly the case with this piece. Rather than the form of the model, the focus should be on the quality of the carving, the profusion of ornamentation and the care given to the line of the piece. Here, the structure is designed so that the three-quarter view is as beautiful as the front view, with generously flared sides and an elegantly curved front. The legs end in brackets that give the impression that the console is floating, barely touching the ground. The carpenter's intent is entirely focused on lightness and grace.
This piece retains its beautiful original marble, richly shaded in brown, ochre, red and grey. It is a rare marble, probably from the Pyrenees. It also retains much of its original gilding, which has of course been restored, but is in exceptional condition. This console has been restored "dans les règles de l'Art"