catalog text
A RARE AESTHETIC MOVEMENT EBONIZED MARQUETRY-INLAID PARCEL GILT CENTER TABLE WITH BRONZE MASKS OF DIANA OF ANET
In the manner of Pottier & Stymus of New York | unmarked | ca. 1870
Item # 402NOP08A
An elegant low table of the Aesthetic Movement circa 1870, it is an exquisite specimen of the period with fine proportions and exceedingly good craftsmanship. The top is defined by its extensive marquetry inlay, this depicting a gourd that has been fashioned into a wind-instrument with a hat tied tightly around the midriff over a basket brimming with flowers and some fruits all encircled in an intricate border of vines and foliage separated by satinwood borders, a banded border and grounds of burl walnut; the outermost border features repeating bellflower blossoms. It is such a lovely example of painting with inlays and we have had a glass top fabricated to protect the top from further wear, not shown in the photographs.
Note the exceedingly fine casts of Diana of Anet, an image also described as being of Diana de Poitiers, and likely modeled off of the original sculpture by Jean Goujon. These are situated neatly above each curved leg and exhibit very fine chiseling and chasing of even the most minute details. The legs borrow subtle inspiration from the Greek klismo leg, the wonderful sabre form curving in and out gently in a serpentine manner, ultimately culminating in stylized sabots.
There is a mastery evident in even the smallest of details along the legs. Note the patinated rosewood veneers into which gilt-highlighted incising is carved to depict honeysuckle and the lower panels with pairs of leaves - these are beautifully matched on the grain ends to create motion in the wood.
The table is unmarked and is presently unattributed, though it clearly comes from a master workshop. Its construction and motif are closely aligned with the production of the firm Pottier & Stymus of New York. A very scarce example.
Measurements: 28 5/8" H x 31" diameter
Condition Report:
Small losses to the marquetry inlay throughout the top - photos show the table without a brand new glass top installed to protect the underlying marquetry; table presents even more briliantly with the glass top in place (photos available upon request) and is also much easier to live with and enjoy; bead decoration missing from two lower finials behind feet and the largest drop finial under the baluster; various old repairs, including some veneer patches, nails added to affix the beading, old repaired cracks and other minor blemishes; top with discolorations, including a faint water-mark ring; well-preserved, presents beautifully.