A highly important and rare pair of early 18th century carved gesso side tables by James Moore the Elder, retaining most of the original gilding, and each having a later ‘Green Serravezza’ marble rectangular top above a concave frieze with arcaded strapwork and bell flower motif; on square baluster tapering legs with acanthus carved hips and scroll tops, joined by curved stretchers with lozenge centre, all richly decorated with strapwork, and terminating in quatrefoil volute feet.
Note: Gesso tables were the ultimate status symbol in the early 18th century. James Moore the Elder was one of the most prolific cabinet-makers of his time, supplying the royal household as well as many important families with his furniture. A gesso table in the Royal Collection, commissioned by George I and signed by Moore, shares many design elements with this pair of tables, including the distinctive concave frieze with arcaded decoration, the typical square legs and the unusual stretcher.