18th Century French Carved Walnut High Table with Extension

We are delighted to offer for sale this exceptional early 18th century French Renaissance Walnut extending table in the style of Jacques Androuet du Cerceau and Hugues Sambin This table is heavily carved in solid walnut in the Renaissance manner. Inspired by Italy in its form and decoration, the originals came from the crucible of the Ecole de Fontainebleau, where architects and ornamentalists, such as Jacques Androuet du Cerceau and Hugues Sambin, were formed. Once a ceremonial table and" piece of sculpture" , it marks" one of the peaks of the art of furniture in France" (J.Thirion). High and powerful, this exceptional table consists of a frame of two large legs connected by a wide brace box. The top perfectly unfolds and extends to reveal two sliding leaves, French or Flemish invention. The references are architectural, evoking the facades of castles or palaces. On the side feet forming gothic heads, two columns rise to meet four powerful winged chimeras, crowned with laurel and with lion claws and to the centre a Lion's head and main. When looking through the arch below we can see another architectural looking head on the side of the middle pillars This decorative base is dressed with plant shapes and fantastic figures, an extraordinary finesse of execution, form so many hieratic figures with generous forms that limit the angles. On the reverse side, a simple semi-circular arch opens a trompe l'oeil perspective. The choice of motifs, the harmonious arrangement and the elegance of the treatment call for comparison with other models from the same family, from the Fontainebleau school. The drawing of the central arcade confined with chimeras derives from models of Jacques Androuet du Cerceau, of which Hugues Sambin is largely inspired. This remarkable table, it associates the Bellefontaine design of the furniture with the virtuosity and the delicacy of the Dijon master In terms of the condition we have lightly restored the table to include full insect treatment, all timber has been waxed to fill gaps, hand condition waxed and hand polished, the table will naturally have patina marks all over from honest age and fair use, all of which adds to the look style and charm Dimensions: Height 91.5 cm Width 148 cm extending to 279 cm Depth 94.5 cm. Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point Condition: Please view the very detailed pictures as they form part of the description around condition Please note vintage period and original items such as leather seating will always have natural patina in the form of cracking creasing and wear, we recommend regular waxing to ensure no moisture is lost, also hand dyed leather is not recommended to sit in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time as it will dry out and fade.