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Pier Table

DateCa. 1735

OriginEngland

MediumBeech, deal, gesso, gilt, marble, and slate

DimensionsOH: 32 1/4"; OW: 36 1/2"; OD: 12"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1936-363,1

DescriptionPier table. Frame: essentially rectangular, open top with portruding corners, the front corners canted: pair of medial braces extend from front to back on each piece; front and sides of frame consists of an upper molding below; a broad band of deep, vertical flutes above a bottom molding of simplified bead and reel; the faces of each of the protruding corners decorated with applied carved flowers; large, carved mask at center front, from which depends on either side, broad swags of acorns and leaves which terminate in foliate clusters on inside top edges of front legs; similar clusters on other edge of front legs, and inside edges of rear legs at top; four cabriole legs, scrolled inward at top, and outward at bottom to form feet; front surface of each leg decorated with large branch of acanthus foliage above a chain motif at bottom; small band of acanthus carving on face of feet; rear surface of each leg decorated with three large, carved husks in panel; side surfaces of front legs, and inner surface of rear legs carved all over in series of overlapping scales; all four legs rest on high, square, molded blocks, each table fitted with rectangular slab with cut front corners; slabs are not original and consists of an outer veneer of marble on a bed of slate.

Front and side rails: beech; legs, back rails, and medial braces: deal; all exposed surfaces covered with gilt and gesso; marble and slate
Label TextStone-topped pier tables were commonly placed on narrow walls between two windows and displayed beneath large, vertical looking glasses. They were often made in pairs. This example was likely inspired by the work of William Kent, a leading English architect and designer. Kent studied Italian art and architecture and introduced the Palladian style to England in the early years of the 18th century. The central carved mask, foliate swags, scrolled legs, and fish scale motifs carved into the sides of the legs are all hallmarks of his classically inspired designs.
MarkingsNone found