A Fine Early 19th Century Rosewood Veneered & Gilded Centre Table

The finely inlaid pietra dura top of flowers and butterflies crossbanded in lapis lazuli is set within a rosewood crossbanded frame with a gilded edge. Supported by an elegant stem which is fluted and carved with fleur-de-lys; standing on bold scrolling legs which are crisply carved with acanthus leaves and terminate in French scroll toes.

This fine table was commissioned to meet the desire for fine furniture in the French taste, especially that of Louis XIV, among the royal court and the leading aristocracy. They chose this style in an attempt to impress visiting dignitaries and imbue the court with the brilliance of the Sun King's court. This brilliance can be seen in the carving and gilding of the table's base.

The base was specifically commissioned to display the beautiful pietra dura top which was brought back from the Grand Tour. The amazing naturalistic detail of the top was created by the careful selection of specimen stones which was the speciality fo the Grand Ducal workshops of Florence and the top may well have been commissioned there. The pinnacle of this workshop's output is the Badminton Cabinet which recently achieved a world record price at auction.