Italian 18th Century Painted Console Table

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An extraordinary parcel gilt and polychrome console table from Italy, circa 1780, which has miraculously retained its hand-painted, stylized Neoclassical … Read more An extraordinary parcel gilt and polychrome console table from Italy, circa 1780, which has miraculously retained its hand-painted, stylized Neoclassical illustrations in green, yellow, and red. As if an artifact from Pompeii, whose rediscovery and excavations were shaping 18th century Grand Tour fashion, the table top features an illustration of a Greek-style vessel (krater) depicting a reclining male youth joined by a harpist to the left and an offering of fruit to the right. Spanning the apron of the table is a repetitive line of palmette design in black over a pistachio-green background, which may be "lacca povera" a type of Italian decoupage for faux-finishing. The tops of the square legs feature a geometric design in gold gilt reminiscent of a Greek Key before tapering to the floor. This antique console manages to span two millennia of decorative arts traditions (from the ancient world to the 18th century revival) and yet still feels unique for the modern interior by its own artistic merits. Gently cleaned and polished with a French paste wax to preserve the delicate patina. Please view the detailed images to see the current condition as there are multiple areas of loss and craquelure. See less