PALACE TABLE Florence, 16th century Walnut H.... Lot 41

PALACE TABLE Florence, 16th century Walnut H. 83 cm, W. 236 cm, D. 91 cm Mark "VP", probably the initials of the owner This ceremonial table with two fan-shaped legs ending in lion's paws follows an ancient construction principle revived in Renaissance Italy, that of the Roman cartibula, according to which a long rectangular tabletop rests on two wide supports joined by a strut. The walnut top is supported by a short belt underlined by a cornice. Carefully moulded side brackets accompany this elegant levelling of the volumes. The legs concentrate the essential part of the carved decoration in a play of curves and counter-curves assumed by leafy volutes and powerful lion's paws, both hairy and clawed, as can also be seen in the Tuscan furniture of the Castle of Monselice (fi g. 1). These long, unbelted tables are heavier than ours, which is more reminiscent of the small octagonal tables of the same period. The same principle of hierarchy of volumes and decorations developed in the granducal workshops of Florence, under the impetus of Bernardino Buontalentino, can be found here. The model of the Offi ces offers a particularly accomplished example, characterised by the treatment of the lion's paws with their powerful modelling and tousled hair (fig. 2).