A Pair of Giltwood Eagle Console Tables

A rare, and incredibly distinctive 18th century form, these eagle-carved giltwood consoles reflect the enduring popularity of Palladian neo-classicism across the 18th and early 19th centuries. Each table with rectangular marble top, on egg and dart bed mould. A Vitruvian-scroll frieze, carved in relief upon a pounced ground and skirted with lozenge detailing; the eagles carved with great skill, poised on uneven rockery and with heads turned to the side; the bases simulated marble, with gilded lappeted moulding. With elegant wrought iron trefoils to the rear, supporting the structure.

One table (on the right hand side) mid-18th century, with stylistic similarities to William Kent's designs, and finely wrought ironwork in keeping with the quality of the period. The other table (on the left hand side) later, and dating from the Regency Period, which saw a revival of interest in the Palladianism of the 1730s and 40s. Both tops likely dating from the early 19th century, exceptional Verde Antico slabs.

The archetype is often attributed to William Kent and features notably on the billhead of the Edinburgh furniture maker, Francis Brodie. Brodie is particularly associated with the form, and tables at Holyrood Palace bear similarities, and indeed differences, which can link them to the present pair.

A similar pair, supplied to Stephen Thompson, Esq. for Kirby Hall, Little Ouseburn, Yorkshire, a Palladian house designed and built by Richard Boyle, 3rd Earl of Burlington, patron of Wm Kent, sold at Christies, London, on January 26th 2006.

References:

Adam Bowett, 'Early Georgian Furniture 1715-1740', 2009 pp.228-231: "Tables with bases carved as eagles, sphinxes and dolphins were one of the most popular manifestations of neo-Palladian taste, perhaps because of their compact form...All three designs are popularly associated with William Kent but it is difficult to document his responsibility. Of the three types the eagles are the most common."

Francis Bamford, 'A Dictionary of Edinburgh Wrights and Furniture Makers 1660-1840', 1983

Dr Sebastian Pryke, 'The Extraordinary Billhead of Francis Brodie', Regional Furniture (1990)

Ref: 6052

Make an enquiry via email here.
Call:+44 (0) 20 7730 2122

View all Antiques here.