An unusual gueridon table
Solid mahogany and veneer, maple veneer on softwood, bi-coloured giltwood, brass mountings. The trefoil base with screw-mounted pad feet supporting three carved dolphins and the central hexagonal shaft. The top with an indentation in the centre surrounded by a pierced curved apron. The brass mountings stamped “8566(?)”. Some more recent supporting wedges and screws beneath the top. H 79.2, D 48.8 cm.
Attributed to Berlin, c. 1820.
Although the Gueridon does not correspond exactly with any of Karl Friedrich Schinkel's known designs, there are still some elements that can be traced back to his ideas. The columnar central baluster is one of the hallmarks of his side tables, which were realised in all available materials by Berlin workshops. The special feature of this piece of furniture is its arched apron, which is even veneered on the underside.
Provenance
Formerly Richmond Palace. Rhenish private collection.
Literature
A table with palmette supports, the same apron and similar metal feet is housed in the SPSG, Charlottenburg Palace, Schinkelpavillion (published in Stiegel, Berliner Möbelkunst vom Ende des 18. bis zur Mitte des 19. Jahrhunderts, Munich-Berlin 2003, illus. 277). A table with a curved base published in Sievers, Karl Friedrich Schinkel Lebenswerk Die Möbel, Berlin 1950, illus. 203.