George I Gilt Gesso Side Table

10181 A George I gilt gesso side table in the manner of James Moore, the associated top with a finely carved central panel with a later, bevelled mirror border, the base with sharply carved scrolling detail to the frieze, the cabriole legs with flowers amongst strapwork and pointed scrolled feet with leaf supports.

English

1720

 

Width: 37.75 ins (96 cms)

Height: 28.25 ins (72 cms)

Depth: 24.25 ins (61.5 cms)                                          £16,000

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Description

This unusual gilt gesso table combines a finely designed scrolling base with a contemporary but associated top from the same period. The construction of these gilt gesso tables where the top and base were often made to be separated has frequently led to more bases surviving than complete tables. The oak tops were coated with thick layers of gesso which was then carved and gilded, the softer surface allowing very free and accurate sculpting without the need to rough out the design in the wood first in the traditional way. Unfortunately, these tops were vulnerable to water damage particularly from water in vases or wine coolers etc. These damaged tops were easier to replace with marble or japanning than to restore and were frequently discarded.

In this case, a fine carved gesso top from a slightly smaller table has been successfully adapted and widened to fit the base. Probably done in the 1920s, a border of bevelled mirror glass has been inserted into the top and finished with a gilded and painted border from the same period.

George I Gilt Gesso Side Table