Offered by Galerie Delvaille
French furniture of the 18th century & French figurative paintings
Parisian work in mahogany and mahogany burl
Circa 1790 / 1800
Dimensions for each of the two consoles:
Height 98 cm - Width 129 cm - Depth 43 cm
This pair of highly architectural consoles testifies to the new style and high standards of the greatest cabinetmakers in the final years of the 18th century. The perfection of form and proportion, the quality of the materials used and the sophistication of the features bring these consoles close to the production of Adam Weisweiler Maître in 1778.
For these dessertes, the cabinetmaker used superb mahogany, and a beautiful burl of the same wood. The deeply recessed quarter-round sides bring the front legs closer and leave the rear uprights visible. These are consoles with mirrored backs, rare models appreciated by the great patrons. These mercury mirrors are original and still in good condition. The uprights are skilfully bulged and adorned with brass-trimmed fluting. The tops and spacer shelves are covered with 4 types of Turquin blue marble, one of the most prized and expensive rocks of the period.
The slender appearance of these wide, elegant consoles is due to perfectly designed elements. The uprights are extended by long spiral feet with knurled capitals and molded sabots. Whether viewed from the front or from the side, the mirrors reflect the light and create a beautiful perspective effect with the reflection of the legs and marble.
The bronze trim is as rich as it is meticulous. The gilding of the upper and lower mouldings sublimates the turquin-blue marble. The numerous rings, pull handles and various frames are finely chased.
These consoles are in a remarkable state of preservation: they have retained all their original bronzes, veneers, mirrors and marble. This pair has been completely dismantled, restored and re-varnished "au tampon". The lower marbles, fractured but complete, have been re-glued. The gilding of the bronzes has been carefully restored to perfection.