Description
During the Quattrocento the Italian house revolves around the sala, a large room in which are held lavish banquets, bals or games. As a state room the sala is adorned with appropriate furnishing and seeks to create great impression on visitors such as princes, dignitaries, and ambassadors.
This round table is composed of two autonomous consoles and probably had a place of honor inside the room. The thick semi-circular table-top of both consoles is attached to a lyre-shaped feet. The two feet’s lower crossbars are linked by a cut-out spacer. When the consoles are joined together the feet form an open-worked cross. This smart construction gives free space to sit around the table.
The two elements put together create a very rare piece of state furniture undoubtedly made as an exhibition piece. The ornamental quality of its base mixes complexity and pureness of lines. As for most of the high-quality pieces of furniture these consoles are made from walnut, particularly favored in northern Italy.
Northern Italy was a region of artists and during the 17th century remained a place where met various skills, choices and tastes of the Italian Renaissance.