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Vagabond Antiques

Pair of Roman console tables
Roman Neoclassical period, circa 1770
Veneer, Sienna marble, Breccia Africana marble
Provenance: previously in the collection of Cardinal Vincenzo Vannutelli (1836-1930), Dean of the College of Cardinals; thence by descent; collection of the fashion designer Stefano Gabbana.

Each with a rectangular top butterfly veneer in richly figured Siena marble, edged in a contrasting band of Breccia Africana marble.

The frieze is crisply carved with classical laurel swags, centres by rosettes and anthemion motifs and set against a punched ground to catch the light. The square corner blocks are decorated with stylised sunflowers.

The tapering fluted legs are carved in three sections, with boldly gadrooned collars and stiff-leaf details above toupie feet.

The carving is of sharp quality throughout with well preserved original gilding enhancing the architectural lines of the design.