Louis XVI Tura Stone & Bronze Gueridon Specimen Marble Tables by Giacomo Raffaelli, Set of 2

We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of early 19th century Louis XVI style gilt bronze framed depicting rams head and paw Gueridon tables with luxury specimen marble tops in the manor of Giacomo Raffaelli A very rare pair in stunning condition throughout, the tops are exceptionally desirable and have a trifactor of appeal, they are Pietra Dura, Specimen marble and made in the manor of Giacomo Raffaelli, three substantial desirable attributes when shopping for a marble-topped table The frames are gilt bronze Gueridon tables depicting Rams heads to the top and paws to the feet with foliage to the sides, again very rare and desirable tables The condition is period and correct, the marble tops are free from damage or any kind and have a nice look and feel, the frames have aged well and the patina to the bronze is exactly as you would hope for based on the age. Dimensions: Height 72 cm Width 58 cm Depth 64.5 cm Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point. Considered by scholars as the first great master of micromosaic, Giacomo Raffaelli held the earliest known exhibition of such works in his Roman studio in 1775, quickly rising to prominence amongst the most important patrons of his age. He was appointed Principal of the Scuola del Mosaico in Milan in 1804 and began working for the Napoleonic Court in the same year. Napoleon Bonaparte is known to have presented two clocks by Raffaelli as gifts, one to Maréchal Bernadotte (1763-1844), which was signed and dated 1804, and another to Pope Pius VII, which is now in the Chateau de Fontainebleau. We also know that Pope Pius IX (1792-1878) offered to Princess Eugenie (1826-1920) a pietre dure table by Raffaelli, now preserved in the Hotel Matignon, further testimony that the master’s craftsmanship was highly revered amongst the highest social circles of his age. A fascinating pair of tables on display at Temple Newsam House, in Leeds, offer further insight into Raffaelli’s mastery of this technique. They were acquired by Clifford Constable of Burton Constable, Yorkshire, almost certainly on his honeymoon in 1827. Each table is inset with 151 marble specimens. Other examples of Raffaelli’s work are currently at Syon House, Middlesex and in the Gilbert Collection at Somerset House, London.. 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.