Italy, early 19th century, Pietra Dura Salon Table, Italy, early 19th century

On a profiled wooden base, three legs carved with acanthus leaf mascaron bar to the central vase over radially converging profiles. Surmounted by black stone tabletop with edge profile, with very fine micro-mosaic inlays in malachite and various other stones. Central depiction of St Peter’s Square with the cathedral, the colonnades, and the obelisk at centre, surrounded by malachite. With a surround of four oval cartouches depicting the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, and the Temple of Hercules. The horizontal cartouches are connected by very finely worked floral festoons with sweet peas, roses, and butterflies. The composition is framed by a wreath of vine leaves, its various shades giving a three-dimensional appearance.
Height: 72 cm. Diameter: 97.5 cm.