The later 'D'-shaped portasanta pink and grey veined marble top above two griffon monopediae and a pair of fluted columnar supports to the back, raised on a faux marble and parcel-gilt concave-fronted base, refreshments to gilding and decoration; the console table reconstructed in its present form probably in the late 19th century
34 in. (86.5 cm.) high; 39 in. (99 cm.) wide; 18¹⁄₂ in. (47 cm.) deep

Probably commissioned by Cardinal Fesch (d. 1839) in Rome, uncle of Napoleon I; moved to his house in the Rue du Mont Blanc, Paris, circa 1806; probably amongst those sold in Paris, 17 June 1816, lots 421-446 (before alteration).
With Clifford Wright Antiques Ltd. in the 1980s.
Acquired by the present owner form a private English collection.

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Lot Essay

The distinctive winged griffin monopodiae closely relate to those on a suite of Italian giltwood furniture attributed to Lorenzo Santi (d. 1839) made for the Palazzo del Buffalo-Ferraioli, the Rome palace of Emperor Napoleon's uncle Joseph Cardinal Fesch (d. 1839). The suite was moved to Paris , circa1806 and sold there in June 1816. Chairs from this suite entered the legendary collections of William Beckford (d. 1844) at Fonthill Abbey, Wiltshire, and Prince Paul Demidoff (d.1885) at the Villa Demidoff, Pratolino (see Christie’s, South Kensington, London, 18 February 2007, lots 214-217). One of the largest buyers at the 1816 auction was the agent of the triumphant 'Iron' Duke of Wellington and a large group of Fesch's furniture survives to this day at Stratfield Saye, Berkshire, where there are related console tables with griffin monopodiae. Twelve console tables of this type, with monopodiae and fluted pilaster supports, are listed in the Fesch sale. While the Fesch console tables appear to be larger in size (those with dimensions being app. 160 cm. wide), it is likely that the present table - which follows the same design - belonged to this group of twelve tables, and was possibly altered into its present form in England later in the 19th century. Interestingly, some of the Fesch console tables are described with ‘feuilles d’eau’ (leaf-tips) to the frieze, which also feature on this table.