Coffee table - Cipollino

Low table in carved and gilded wood, green marble top - Louis XVI style, c. 1930–1950.

Object: coffee table / center table
Origin likely: Italy or France
Period: first half of the 20th century
Dating: c. 1930–1950
Style: Louis XVI Revival / Neoclassical
Materials: carved and gilded wood; top in green striated marble, probably Cipollino type
Dimensions: 45 × 102 × 52 cm

Rectangular Louis XVI-inspired low table, executed in richly carved and gilded wood, topped by a thick removable green and white marble top with strong longitudinal veining.

The top is rectangular with a moulded edge, slightly protruding relative to the frame.

The pale green, white and gray coloration, marked by long parallel bands, visually approximates the stone to marbles commercially known as green Cipollino.

The waist is one of the most decorative elements of the piece. It features a continuous pierced guilloché frieze, formed by interlaced ovals and small vegetal motifs. In the corners, the joints to the legs are vertically pierced and adorned with classical motifs.

At the center of the front appears a pierced and carved apron, with a symmetric composition of acanthus leaves, volutes and palmettes, ending below in a small pendant motif.

The four legs are straight and circular in section, characteristic of the Louis XVI language. Each features a highly elaborate upper portion, with a large leaf-capital and ovate motifs, followed by a body decorated with acanthuses. The shafts are vertically fluted, terminating in rigid or lanceolate leaves and small carved circular feet.

The piece is entirely gilded, preserving a pronounced patina, with wear and darkening in several spots that partially reveal the preparation and the underlying wood.

The construction evident after removal of the marble shows a rectangular frame reinforced transversely, prepared to receive and support the heavy stone top.

The decorative language is unequivocally neoclassical: straight, fluted legs, guilloché, acanthus leaves, strict symmetry, palmettes and architectural structure are classical elements of the Louis XVI repertoire.

There are Louis XVI Revival tables from the late 19th century with pierced guilloche friezes, tapered legs and similar acanthus; an example from the late 19th / early 20th century is described precisely with pierced guilloche frieze and fluted legs wrapped by acanthus.

Condition: in good overall condition, with signs of use consistent with age.