Antique Austrian Biedermeier Walnut Console Table, Mirrored Back, circa 1825

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Antique Austrian Biedermeier Walnut Console Table, Mirrored Back, circa 1825

About the Item

Receive our new selections direct from 1stdibs by email each week. Please click Follow Dealer below and see them first! Antique Austrian Biedermeier period walnut console table circa 1825 with a mirrored back. The combination of dramatically patterned walnut set within the architectural structure of this console gives it an appealing presence from every angle. The rectangular top features an edge set at a 45 degree angle that has been sheathed with burl walnut. The shift in angle captures light and highlights the swirl of the burl walnut grain that contrasts with the highly figured walnut seen across the top. Because the top is actually four separate layers the effect is one of visual interest especially as one layer was chosen to be ebonized timber. The horizontal black band offsets the layers of walnut and provides a level of design continuity that relates to the four vertical supports, two full columns in the front and the two half columns in the back. The base of the console is elevated from the floor and has straight sides. But the centre of the base is defined by a dramatic concave sweep set between the front legs that pulls the eye toward the rear of the console and the mirror back. Both the horizontal and vertical surfaces of the base are sheathed with highly figured walnut as well in order to balance the quality seen on the top. The pair of ebonized half columns frame the original inset mirror that was used to give the console a sense of lightness as well as providing depth as an object may be placed on the lower shelf to be reflected within the mirror. It is important to remember that at this time the predominant method of lighting an interior remained candles, oil lamps and fires within a hearth as the advent of gas lighting was still relatively new. The reflective quality of the highly polished timber and its light color palette offered a warm gleam in a dark room. The craftsmanship on the console is truly compelling as is the choice of the figured walnut used to encase the entire console. Early pieces such as this console used the best materials available and took advantage of a highly developed design sensibility to create pieces that were both functional as well as highly decorative in their appearance. A console such as this remains quite desirable in a modern interior because of its usefulness and beauty.

Dimensions:
Height: 34.5 in (87.63 cm)Width: 29 in (73.66 cm)Depth: 19 in (48.26 cm)
Style:
Biedermeier (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Mirror,Walnut,Ebonized
Place of Origin:
Austria
Period:
1820-1829
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1825
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Houston, TX
Reference Number:
Seller: DR521stDibs: LU86682140562