Italian, Naples
Two Side Tables (Tavoli da muro), 1775-1799
Painted and gilded poplar with yellow marble, 91.5 x 163.5 x 81 cm (36 x 64 3/8 x 31 7/8 in.)
These two highly decorated side tables, dating from the last quarter of the 18th century, are made of painted and gilded poplar with a plain yellow marble top that has a crack running across it. The front and side aprons of these tables are decorated with undulating carved ribbons that curve below the bottom edge of the apron, scrollwork, leaves, shells, flowers and interlacing arabesques. There is a large ornate shell decoration in the center of the front apron. The square legs have rows of carved overlapping leaves down the two outer sides.
Titian Room
Commentary
This pair of wall tables represents the Venetian Rococo in the sensous curves seen on nearly every profile. While relying on Louis XV models, such works are never copies, but instead relect a spontaneous adaption of French forms and decoration. This is perhpas best seen in the aprons of the tables, which are essentially undulating ribbons, but are abundantly decorated with scrollwork, acanthus leaves, shells, flowers and interlacing arabesques. The carvings flow exuberantly across the fronts and sides of the tables, and are filled with a vivacity completely different from the decorations found on French Rococo furniture. It is a testament to the skills of the tables' designer and makers that this wealth of ornament is at once assymmetrical yet perfectly balanced, and rich but not overwhelming.
The tables were originally painted a light blue, gilded in places, and painted with vines; a colored varnish was then applied. The original paint color can be seen in areas where the varnish has chipped off. With age, the varnish has made the original paint appear greener than was originally intended, but the light blue paint layer was always meant to be tinted with a softening varnish.
The tables were originally painted a light blue, gilded in places, and painted with vines; a colored varnish was then applied. The original paint color can be seen in areas where the varnish has chipped off. With age, the varnish has made the original paint appear greener than was originally intended, but the light blue paint layer was always meant to be tinted with a softening varnish.