CENTER OCTAGONAL TABLE
carved, sculpted and partially gilded walnut wood
This late-Renaissance octagonal centre table in walnut with gilded highlights, shows a top with moulded edges and an underlying band richly decorated with a sequence of gilded carvings in the shape of concatenated discs. In the centre of the band, on one of the sides, there is a drawer with a small circular metal handle, probably made of wrought iron.
The table rests on a baluster-shaped body via a central pivot. The urn-shaped upper part is decorated with carved and gilded festoons in relief, and fluting; the base ends with a square knot, decorated at the corners with foliate feet within a scaled ring.
In line with the top, the octagonal base features complex multi-level moulding, decorated with carvings similar to those on the band, resembling knurling or “leaf” motifs.
Overall, the small table presents an elegant and solid appearance, with great attention to detail and decoration, suggesting it was probably used as a valuable piece of furniture, perhaps in a drawing-room or study.
Central Italy, beginning of the 17th century
cm 82 height, cm 111 diameter
