This rare marble top table is a useful and attractive form that is referred to as a serving table, mixing table or a pier table. The early, mid-eighteenth century, tables like this are considered a very sophisticated furniture form for the period and were created for only upscale entryways and parlors. These elegant examples are very scarce and most highly prized by collectors.
This table epitomizes the restrained elegance of period Boston, Queen Anne furniture. High quality mahogany, long graceful cabriole legs and a tastefully scalloped apron are the hallmarks of the Boston fashion. The rectangular frame supports a molded marble top with a mottled gray color. The front and sides of the table have a conforming lobbed apron carved with an “s” scrolled scalloped edge. The apron smoothly transitions to the knees of the cabriole legs, which gather to a central point, which aligns with the rectangular frame. The long delicate legs terminate in Queen Anne pad feet. The form of the apron and legs are highly successful and grant the piece grace and proportion.
The form of the aprons and legs are definitive Boston Queen Anne forms and the use of white pine glue blocks in the construction of the frame are further indications of this origin. The high quality and density of the mahogany is typical of other period examples from Boston and the natural oxidations is also consistent with mid-eighteenth century furniture. The construction method of the frame employs mortises in the leg stock and tenons on the side panels. These joints are secured with hide glue and hand-wrought wood pegs that pass through back to front. This technique is well established as a period method. The table shows an even patina and typical wear appropriate to pieces of this age. The table has a warm color and a clean finish with a mid-twentieth century surface.
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