Pair of Early 19th Century Italian Statement Consoles w/ Faux Marble Painted Tops

An opulent pair of Italian consoles from the early 19th century, likely Northern Italy, richly carved and gilded in the rocaille taste. The shaped tops and plinth bases are painted in deep green faux marble, creating a dramatic contrast with the exuberant gilded carving below. The sculptural S scroll supports are lavishly carved with acanthus leaves and flowing ornament, their bold movement and warm gilding lending the pair remarkable presence. The consoles are stable on their plinth bases, though it is advisable to secure them to the wall with a discreet hook for added stability.

They can be placed against a wall as a pair of elegant statement pieces, or joined back to back to form a dramatic center table with a shaped top and highly sculptural base. As is often the case with hand crafted pieces of this period, the consoles are not perfectly identical, with slight variations in the shape and dimension of the tops. When centered together as a table, these subtle differences mean the edges do not align perfectly, a small irregularity that quietly reflects their artisanal origin. The surfaces display a beautifully timeworn patina, with gentle wear to the gilding, scattered abrasions to the painted surfaces, and minor age fissures in the wood, all consistent with age and contributing to their authentic character.

They bring Old World character to an entry, whether flanking a doorway with matching vases or placed opposite one another beneath windows to create symmetry and a pleasing rhythm across the space. In a dining room, they lend quiet grandeur when used to display china, crystal decanters, or treasured serving pieces beneath sconces or still life paintings. Joined together as a center table, they form a striking pedestal for a bust, urn, or a gathered arrangement of branches, the dark green surface beautifully setting off stone, terracotta, and bronze with understated elegance.