18th Century Gilt Console Tables with Painted Marble Top, Tuscan, Italy, 1730, Set of 2

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Pair of Tuscan Giltwood Wall Consoles with Grotteschi Tuscany, Italy, late 17th – early 18th century An exceptional and rare … Read more Pair of Tuscan Giltwood Wall Consoles with Grotteschi Tuscany, Italy, late 17th – early 18th century An exceptional and rare pair carved and giltwood wall consoles from Tuscany, exquisitely sculpted with grotteschi inspired by the ornamental language of the Italian Renaissance. Each console is supported by a hybrid creature combining the features of a winged beast, with a powerful muscular torso, expressive animal head, elegantly folded wings, scrolling volutes, and a finely carved dragon mask terminating the lower section. The serpentine-shaped shelves retain their original bold profile and are enriched with a finely molded gilt edge, while the remarkable quality of the carving demonstrates the skill of Tuscan wood sculptors working in the grand decorative tradition of Florence and Siena. Inspired by the fantastical decorative repertoire discovered in the ancient Roman grottoes of the Domus Aurea, these grotteschi became a defining motif of Tuscan Renaissance and Baroque architecture, symbolizing imagination, strength, and artistic virtuosity. The sculptural quality of these consoles elevates them beyond functional furniture, making them true architectural elements. Origin: Tuscany, Italy. Period: Late 17th – early 18th century. Material: Carved gilded wood. Top with painted Green Marble . Condition: Excellent antique condition with a rich original gilded surface and a beautiful patina consistent with centuries of age and use. See less