Important Antique Italian Marble Centre Table

This important antique Italian marble centre table, originating from late 19th-century Florence, is a superlative example of Grand Tour decorative arts. Imbued with both Italian and British noble heritage, the table showcases the very finest in Florentine craftsmanship and historical significance.

Origin: Italy, Florence

Date: Circa 1870

Material: Granito Verde della Sedia di San Lorenzo and specimen marbles; ebonised and parcel-gilt wood

Dimensions: Height 75 cm (29.5 in); Width 147 cm (58 in); Depth 81 cm (32 in)

Condition: Excellent, retaining original patina; minor restorative work consistent with age

This remarkable centre table draws its artistic lineage from the opulent tradition of Florentine slab tables, which were highly prized by European nobility during the Grand Tour era. Comparable to exquisite examples held in leading institutions, such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, its top is expertly inlaid with rare Granito Verde della Sedia di San Lorenzo – a stone esteemed by Francesco Corsi as “Rarissimo”. The piece was a bespoke gift marking the union of the distinguished Montagu Hay and Bartolucci families in 1878. Its provenance traces through the Marquesses of Tweeddale until 1967, offering an unparalleled connection to both Italian and Scottish aristocracy.

Notable Features:

• Exceptional craftsmanship with intricate specimen marble inlay, combining Verde della Sedia di San Lorenzo and polychrome stones in a harmonious design.
• Parcel-gilt ebonised base featuring elegant profiles and detailing, referencing Neoclassical tastes that prevailed in late 19th-century Europe.
• Rarity and historical value enhanced by the table’s distinguished provenance, with direct links to the renowned Hay, Bartolucci, and Dundas families, who played pivotal roles in European history.
• Generous proportions make this antique Italian marble centre table ideal for prominent display in a grand interior, while its sophistication invites inclusion in the most discerning of collections.

The table’s harmonious marriage of Italian artistry and noble British history perfectly encapsulates the refined power and subtle elegance of the period’s decorative arts. Not only does it serve as a practical accent table, but it also stands out as a museum-worthy masterpiece, certain to be a talking point in any fine home or gallery. Collectors of Grand Tour furniture, connoisseurs of specimen marbles, and those seeking exceptional provenance will find this piece a truly rare opportunity.