M. FORD CREECH ANTIQUES

RARE PAIR OF RUSSIAN MARBLE-TOP MAHOGANY CORNER CONSOLES
19th century

Each white marble-top with thumb-molded edge above an apron with two ribbed gilt-bronze inset panels

centering a floral roundel on a gilt-bronze mounted downcurving satinwood inlaid support ending in a squared peg foot

Condition: Old, probably original, finish; two old repairs to one marble top;

bases: small veneer repairs to each apron, aprons with repaired inside surface age cracks.

42"H x 15"W x 10 1/2"D

Price: Please Inquire

#4256

We welcome and encourage all inquiries.  We will make every attempt to answer any questions you might have.

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RUSSIAN NEOCLASSICAL FURNITURE

 During the second half of the eighteenth century, Russia was to witness an unrivalled program of palace building,

particularly under the enlightened rule of Catherine the Great (1762-1796). On June 28, 1762, Catherine

 dethroned her husband, Peter III, thus beginning a thirty-four year reign that would see her country become

not only a modern state, but a power equal to the most significant of her European neighbors. During her sovereignty,

Russian territory expanded, the arts and sciences flourished, and many of the great palaces were built. So significant

 were the advances made in this period, it would be remembered as “the magnificent age.”

Closely linked to the construction of new palaces in Russia is the history of furniture manufacture. So many luxurious

new buildings required appropriate furnishings, but without a significant source in Russia itself, the majority in the

 early period was imported from Europe. However, once the need was established, Russia would soon develop

 her own cabinet-making industry, the significant growth of which can be seen in the records of the Lepke sales,

held in Berlin on behalf of the Soviet authorities on 6-7 November 1928 and 4-5 June 1929. The number of lots of

Louis XV furniture (pre-1770) in Russian sales is three times that of furniture made later,

suggesting a significant decline in furniture imports post-1770.

A feature that distinguishes the work of Russian cabinet-makers from their Western counterparts is their departure

 from strictly neo-classical patterns and designs. While their work does of course refer to these established motifs,

their interpretations have a far more intimate and bucolic nature.

Antoine Chenevière: Russian Furniture Weidenfeld & Nicolson. London. 1988.

For information, call (901) 761-1163 or (901) 683-4668 or email mfcreech@bellsouth.net 

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