19th Century Austrian Vienna-Style Hand-Painted Porcelain and Giltwood Gueridon

Details

Description

An exceptionally decorative late-19th-century Austrian gueridon or occasional table, circa 1880, featuring a remarkable arrangement of 13 finely painted porcelain … Read more An exceptionally decorative late-19th-century Austrian gueridon or occasional table, circa 1880, featuring a remarkable arrangement of 13 finely painted porcelain plaques mounted within an elaborately carved and gilded wooden frame.

The large central circular plaque, traditionally titled “Amor’s Triumph,” depicts Cupid seated upon a chariot and surrounded by elegantly draped classical female figures. The composition is rendered in delicate polychrome enamels and enclosed by a richly decorated cobalt-blue border heightened with intricate gilt scrollwork and ornamental motifs.

Surrounding the central image are 12 smaller circular porcelain medallions, each individually hand-painted with romantic, mythological and allegorical scenes of maidens, putti and classical figures. The plaques are set within a radiating giltwood tabletop divided by carved foliate ornament, geometric moldings and raised decorative details.

The tabletop is supported by an original carved wooden base composed of four graceful cabriole-form legs embellished with floral garlands, pierced carving and gilt highlights. The legs are joined by scrolling stretchers centered by a carved urn-form finial, lending both stability and sculptural presence to the design.

Combining porcelain painting, cabinetmaking and ornamental carving, this unusual table exemplifies the richly decorative historicist taste of late-19th-century Austria. Its jewel-like cobalt ground, extensive gilding and unusually large ensemble of 13 painted plaques make it a striking collector’s piece suitable as a salon table, occasional table or dramatic focal point.

Dimensions:
Height 25",
diameter 21.5".

Center plaque:
11.5" diameter. See less