A Splendid Pair of Console Tables In the Manner of William Kent

Dimensions: H: 33.5 in / 85 cm W: 57 in / 144 cm D: 30.5 in / 77 cm Constructed in gilt wood, very finely carved, with marble platforms in Bardiglio de Carrara; rising from swept cabriole legs with ‘hairy paw’ feet, adorned with foliates, terminating at the shoulders with lion masks, with annuli in their jaws, having pendant bouquets; female masks in the centres, with strong pendant swags of wreathed Oak leaves conjoining the masks; over, a running key motif to the aprons, framed within cannellures.
Circa 1850
Provenance: The design of these tables relate to several examples inspired by William Kent. In particular a well documented table from Houghton Hall, Norfolk supplied to the Prime Minister, Robert Walpole. Kent was hugely inspired by the Grand Tour and brought Roman-influenced symbolic decoration like the Venus-shell and Jupiter’s sacred oak into fashion. Literature: Ref: Francis Lenygon ‘English Furniture 1660-1760’, published 1914 Artist Biography: A leading exponent of the Palladian revival, an architect of buildings and landscapes, as well as furniture designer, he was sponsored by the Earl of Burlington. In the great Palladian houses of the period, of which Raynham, Holkham and Houghton are celebrated examples, Kent made free use of the rich and ornate baroque style which he had studied during his travels in Italy.
The design of this table relates to several examples inspired by William Kent. In particular a well documented table from Houghton Hall, Norfolk supplied to Robert Walpole.