An Irish carved giltwood console table, mid-18th century and adapted

the veined purple marble top on a giltwood base with large lion's masks to the corners and centre joined by foliate swags carved in low relief, the cylindrical legs terminating in paw feet, raised in height and altered in width, originally with a wooden top, re-gilt

94cm high, 186.7cm wide, 78cm deep; 3ft. 1in., 6ft. 1 ½in., 2ft. 6 ¾in.

Condition Report:
An unexpected interpretation of typically Georgian decorative motifs. The re-gilt surface with rubbing and chips throughout, revealing the underlying gesso. The front edge of the table has been nibbled away by wear and worm damage, as has the reverse of one section of the apron to the left side proper. The front swags match visually but are differently joined to the central mask when viewed from the inside. Some cracks to gesso around toes of paw feet. The top has a layer of marble above a layer of painted faux marble on a black stone base; the marble has chips to the corners and the painted surface has some flaking to corners and edges, as to be expected given age. The top with scratches and some small areas of old restoration.

Provenance:
Christie's South Kensington, Notting Hill. No Ordinary Life, 16th May 2006, lot 288.