Antique 19th C. French Louis XV Rococo Serpentine Carved Mahogany Console Table

Description

Antique Louis XV style Rococo console table, circa mid-nineteenth century. Features a solid mahogany frame with serpentine turtle top over a meticulously carved base showcasing pierced scallops, foliate, acanthus, "C" and "S" scrolled detail. The table is supported by elaborate cabriole legs connected by an ornately scalloped cross stretcher.

France was the first to witness the creation of the console table during the 17th century. It was first introduced there as a small, ornamental piece of furniture with theatrical designs and fine, sophisticated details. Some part of the origins of console tables also lies in Italian architecture and furniture design.

It became an integral part of any room’s decoration and was found in almost every affluent household.

Originally, console tables were shaped like a half-moon or a crescent that was affixed to the walls with the help of a curved bracket known as a ‘console.’ The brackets mainly served the purpose of supporting the table top. French architects gave these half-moon shaped tables little legs in the front to make them appear as free-standing.

The King of France, Louis XIV, also known as Louis the Great or the Sun King, is majorly accredited for popularizing the console table. That’s mainly because this beautiful piece of decorative furniture was a mainstay of the King’s royal courts as well as the Palace of Versailles

The fashion of grand consoles particularly experienced a major boost during the King’s reign, where these tables were designed in pairs and complemented by matching mirrors.

Soon enough, console tables became a true embodiment of ‘Rococo,’ which is a uniquely theatrical and ornamental style of décor and architecture. This style mainly characterizes glides, curves, asymmetry, and serpentine lines. The Rococo style first gained massive success in France, after which its popularity spread in England and different parts of Europe.

Condition

Good Antique Condition; Age related wear and marking. Scratching to the top surface. Some past repairs to the front gallery, Missing trim missing along the left back corner. Some missing trim on the inside edges front legs

Dimensions

44" x 22 1/2" x 31" h