Italian Pietra Dura Specimen Marble Centre Table Francesco Sibilio

A distinguished masterpiece of Italian artistry, this exceptional Pietra Dura Specimen Marble Centre Table is firmly attributed to Francesco Sibilio. Created in Rome circa 1835, it perfectly encapsulates the grandeur and taste of early nineteenth-century decorative arts, marrying sophistication of design with the rarest materials.

Origin: Italy, Rome, attributed to Francesco Sibilio

Date: Circa 1835

Material: Specimen marbles including Sicilian Jasper, Imperial Egyptian Porphyry, Greek Porphyry, and others; giltwood base

Dimensions: Height 84.5 cm (33.25 in); Diameter 89.5 cm (35.25 in)

Condition: Excellent; retains a vibrant patina and superb gilding; minor age-appropriate wear

This Italian Pietra Dura Specimen Marble Centre Table stands among the most celebrated examples from the Grand Tour period. Pieces of this calibre would have been sought after by European aristocracy, keen to display the finest marbles sourced from across the ancient world. The top incorporates rare stones such as Sicilian Jasper, Imperial Egyptian Porphyry, Granito Verdi Della Sedia Di San Lorenzo, and Agata del San Gottardo, all set within a harmonious composition. Notably, Sibilio’s tables are highlighted in scholarly treatises and are represented in esteemed collections, signifying their historic and artistic value.

Notable Features:

• Extraordinary Pietra Dura craftsmanship, using rare semi-precious marbles of astonishing colour and beauty
• Classic design inspired by Percier and Fontaine, with a finely carved giltwood base featuring a baluster stem adorned with acanthus leaves and tender floral motifs
• Three crouching lions’ legs, united by acanthus ornamentation, support the circular top, proclaiming both strength and elegance
• Stones featured include:
  • Sicilian Jasper (four exquisite varieties)
  • Imperial Egyptian Porphyry
  • Greek Porphyry
  • Granito Verdi Della Sedia Di San Lorenzo
  • Agata del San Gottardo
  • Pietra Alberese
  • Rosso Antico
  • Rosso Levanto
  • Belgium Nero

Collectable for its exceptional provenance and the inclusion of marbles named after Sibilio by eminent scholars, this centre table is an important reference for connoisseurs of Italian Pietra Dura. Its rarity and distinguished connection to renowned marble merchant Francesco Sibilio enhance its desirability for collectors of nineteenth-century accent tables.

Equally suited as a statement centrepiece or as a prestigious addition to a private cabinet of curiosities, this Pietra Dura Specimen Marble Centre Table exemplifies timeless design significance. Carefully preserved and strikingly decorative, it offers enduring value for both display and investment.