Table, Centre, Library, Desk, 17 Century, Portuguese, Baroque, Brazil, Rosewood

The design and ornamentation of this centre table is characteristic of Portuguese Baroque furniture dating from the second half of the 17th century. Made from Brazilian rosewood imported from Portugal's great colony, incorporating tremidos in the frieze and with a sculptural form created by the boldness and variety of turnings employed. In the second half of the century a tradition emerged of creating contrast and interplay between dark wood and reflected light from brass or gilded mounts marking the beginning of what came to be known as the "national style". This centre table is an uncommonly large size, made for a substantial interior and highly decorative with its bold carving, turnings and brassware as well as practical for use as centre, library table or desk. The rosewood has beautiful configuration and a lustrous patina.

The plank top with a moulded edge. The frieze with projecting, carved, scroll ornament either side three drawers on each side and two dummy drawers at each end. The drawers with diagonal carving surrounding moulded panels with fishbone carving and brass escutcheons with working locks and a single key. The legs with a variety of ring and barley-twist turnings, joined by barley-twist turned stretchers with central blocks with turned cappings on bun feet at the front and the back, supported by bun feet.

Provenance: Private collection, France.