coffee table with marble top, italy 18th century

Baluster base resting on a decorated plinth, with original gilding. Plated marble top adorned with a central cartouche.

In Italy in particular, these coffee tables were often used for liturgical purposes during Mass and when setting up ‘festive decorations’ for major religious festivals.
It is highly likely that this table originated from such a use, particularly given the use of a relatively sturdy yet decorative top.

The condition of the top, with its signs of wear due to the passage of time, displays a distinct and harmonious patina, in keeping with the base.

The fact that the top and base have aged simultaneously – and consequently that the signs of ageing on both parts of the table are visible and, to a certain extent, harmonise with one another – allows this piece to be dated to the 18th century.