The structure is of poplar and walnut wood. Each of the vigorously fashioned legs forms three contrasting curves and ends in a fairly tall conical foot that accentuates its soaring lines. The perforated apron creates the impression of lightness that is taken up in the airy, sophisticated design of the X-stretcher with the tall Rococo decoration in the centre. The carving combines the Rococo abstraction of the “pellaccetta” or leaf-like rocaille cartouche motif with the naturalistic luxuriance of flowery sprigs. The whole is endowed with greater vibrancy by touches of purplish pink, green and dark blue (subsequently repainted) on a cream-coloured ground. The outer edges are gilded. 

In the profusion of “pellaccette, little roses and ribbed leaves”,¹ the table encapsulates all the emblematic elements of late-Baroque Genoese furniture, more generally known for superb carpentry rather than carving, and works them into a score of great orginality as regards compositional imagination and masterly execution. 

Roberto Antonetto 

^* Sotheby’s, London, The Italian Furniture. From the Estate of the late Giuseppe Rossi, 10 March 1999, Vol. I, pp. 249-251. 

¹ Canonero 1962. Compare with pls. XVI, XXII, LXXXIII, XCVI. See also González-Palacios 1996, p. 219, pl. 251.