Fine; Rare Pair of Console Tables with Eagles Carved in the Round.
England. Based on designs and works by Matthias Lock (ca. 1710-1765); Henry Flitcroft (1697-1769) and William Kent (1685-1748).

Carved pine; partially gilt and painted to resemble woodgrain. Marble top. Rectangular base with continuous meander frieze; the upper half moulded and decorated with alternating acanthus leaves and fluting. One large eagle with outspread wings and open beak; carved in the round; at each corner. Central cartouche with acanthus and shell motif. Scroll-shaped back supports with acanthus decor. Upper edge with meander frieze and acanthus leaves. Each 87x147x75cm. Condition C. Remains of original oil-gilding. Polychromy has been redone at a later date. Marble top is permanently attached.

Provenance:
Palace inventory; Rhineland.

Literature:
- Edwards; Ralph: The Shorter Dictionary Of English Furniture. London 1964. For this type; cf. pg.584 fig.24 and 27; pg.585 fig.28 and pg.587 fig.36.
- Wills; Geoffrey: English Furniture 1550-1760. London 1971. For this type; cf. pg.242 fig.31.
- Francis Bamford: A Dictionary of Edinburgh Wrights and Furniture Makers 1660 - 1840.
London 1983. Cf. fig.24A and 24B.

Inspired by Alexander Pope's translation of Homer's Ilias; William Kent designed the prototype of this table with dramatically posed eagles carved in the round. These tables; usually made in pairs; were highly popular in England in the 1740s.
The earliest depiction of this kind of console can be found in the header of an invoice prepared in 1739 by the famous Edinburgh-based cabinetmaker Francis Brodie. This design experienced a renaissance in the late 19th century.
The English architects William Kent and Henry Flitcroft worked in the tradition of Andrea Palladio and were significant protagonists of the Palladian style in 18th century England. The most important patron of their work was the Earl of Burlington; who supported both of them throughout his life.
The two were not only architects; but were also responsible for landscaping and interior decor. For example; William Kent designed numerous pieces of furniture and decorative items for Houghton Hall; Holkham Hall; Rousham House and Hampton Court Palace - many of which are still preserved today and can be found in the Victoria and Albert Museum; London. Several console tables based on designs by Henry Flitcroft and worked by Matthias Lock and are in the Metropolitan Museum; New York.Art trade; Van Ham.