Antique Italian Gilded Wood Table from the Belle Epoque Period, circa 1890

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Antique Italian Gilded Wood Table from the Belle Epoque Period, circa 1890

About the Item

Receive our new selections direct from 1stdibs by email each week. Please click “Follow Dealer” button below and see them first! A splendid antique Italian gilded wood table from the Belle Époque period, circa 1890. Please notice the extravagance of this table ornamented with lavish carving and a gilded finish. There is not a straight line to be seen on the entire table and even the original marble top is framed by a raised and shaped edge. The term "Belle Époque" or "the Beautiful Era" was coined to define the period from 1890 until the beginning of the Great War (World War 1) that had such a devastating effect across Europe. It was a time of relative peace and prosperity and marked by a flourishing of art and design that spread across Europe. This particular table is a wonderful example of the freedom gained by the melding of design and technological advances that enabled luscious decorative effects to be combined with structural integrity. Please take a look at the four bold legs that incorporate both a scrolled motif at the top and bottom combined with a hollow centre section that allows light to flow through the legs. This effect of transparency enabled a density of design to appear lighter and less serious than earlier designs. Each of the four legs are set at a 45 degree angle to the top and base and in addition to the scrolls sen on each side use flourishes to great effect. The legs Stand upon a base defined by flat curved sections that are centred upon a beautifully carved vase spilling forth with an explosion of flowers. This vase is carved fully in the round as the sculpture was meant to be seen from all directions as indeed the entire table was designed to be attractive from anywhere in the room. The top edge of the table has a frieze that bursts forward in a flared outward curve and has a symmetrical design around its entire perimetre. When viewed from above the top has a beautifully shaped edge first seen during the age of the Baroque. The edge flows down in a series of flat moulded edges and frames the original marble top. Please notice the height of this table. It is taller than what is normally associated with a coffee or cocktail table although it was originally created to be placed in front of a sofa or settee. There it was able to be an integral part of the rooms furnishings as well as being the perfect place to set a tray laden with tea for serving and later cocktails and other libations. The inherently attractive nature of this table is that is will be striking used in a modern space where its sculptural appeal will heighten the contrast between simple modern lines or as it was originally meant to be a part of an beautifully decorative interior.

Dimensions:
Height: 25 in (63.5 cm)Width: 35.5 in (90.17 cm)Depth: 25.5 in (64.77 cm)
Style:
Belle Époque (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Marble,Carved,Gilt
Place of Origin:
Italy
Period:
1890-1899
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1890
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Houston, TX
Reference Number:
Seller: BJ1341stDibs: LU86686150643