.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
With its Minerva bust framed by a martial trophy, it is safe to conclude that this side table was commissioned to celebrate a military victory. Such ornament is particularly unusual on furniture, more frequently being seen on elaborately carved picture frames, such as that illustrated in Specimens of Old English Furniture in the possession of Partridge, Lewis & Simmons, London, n.d., no.33, pl.XVII. This table was therefore probably placed beneath a Military portrait with complimentary frame.
Although no directly comparable table is recorded, the vocabulary employed, in particular the stylised foliate bearded masks to the legs, the hairy-paw feet and the plain frieze above a richly carved foliate apron, as well as the constructional pegs and the blackened surface are all characteristic of Irish furniture.
Although no directly comparable table is recorded, the vocabulary employed, in particular the stylised foliate bearded masks to the legs, the hairy-paw feet and the plain frieze above a richly carved foliate apron, as well as the constructional pegs and the blackened surface are all characteristic of Irish furniture.