Rocaille Wall Console in Carved and Gilt Wood, France, Louis XV Period

Description

This 18th-century French wall console displays Rocaille decoration in carved and gilt wood. Its shaped and extensively pierced frieze combines cut-out cartouches, scrolls, foliate shells and flower sprays carved in high relief. Two sinuous supports with volutes, decorated with acanthus scrolls, are joined by a shaped Rocaille stretcher centred with a vegetal motif. The top, with a shaped edge, is painted in imitation of marble. The old gilding in leaf retains a warm patina, punctuated by wear from use that reveals the original preparation in places.