The pretty and well proportioned side table displaying typical Regency elegance with square section tapering legs, single frieze drawer with period drop handle, the whole retaining the original faux-grained comb-work scumbled painted decoration in sea green and ivory surviving from the second quarter of the nineteenth century.
Unknown.
In the Regency period one of the uses of painting in furniture was to imitate more exotic and expensive wood grains buy painting and applying them to more accessible woods such as pine. Faux bois (from the French for false wood) refers to the artistic imitation of wood or wood grains in various media. The craft has roots in the Renaissance with trompe-l’œil. It was probably first crafted with concrete using an iron armature by garden craftsmen in France called “rocailleurs” using common iron materials: rods, barrel bands, and chicken wire. The family that owned this piece of furniture originally would have acquired it with the idea of it making them appear wealthier. Ironic now that currently you could argue that this type of surface is more prized commercially than, for instance, a mahogany table of this period.
A very attractive and versatile table with originality in spades.
The table is in good overall order. The finish is pleasing and there are no losses. The top is very slightly loose when picking the table up and moving it one can feel some movement in it. She stands well and stable and the drawer moves freely. There are two curious holes drilled into one side of a leg and some small gauge marks to the top with one corner having a small crack.
By appointment only.
