Gueridon table. France, second half of the 19th century

Gueridon table. France, second half of the nineteenth century.
Gilded wood and Sèvres porcelain plates.
Measurements: 76 x 82 x 82 cm.

This splendid gueridon table is distinguished by its magnificent decoration in Sèvres porcelain in combination with the golden gilding of the structure. In the center, the round porcelain plate represents "The Rape of Europe" by Jean-Baptiste Marie Pierre (1750) on a "sky blue" background. In fact, the whole ensemble is a glorious representation of Louis XIV, as it is surrounded by the oval portraits of his female entourage. The entire table top is embellished with floral moldings and vegetal garlands. The piece of furniture is supported on a tripod base ornamented with rosettes and fleurons, from the center of which emerges the central shaft with vegetal stems and turned nexuses.

The Sèvres porcelain manufactory originated in 18th century France. It was founded in 1740 in Vincennes and moved to Sèvres, near Versailles, in 1756, under the patronage of King Louis XV and his mistress Madame de Pompadour. From its inception, the Sèvres manufactory received royal patronage, which made it possible to attract the best craftsmen and artists of the time. This support also ensured that the porcelain produced was of the highest quality and luxury, destined for European royalty and nobility. Sèvres porcelain is known for its fine quality, hardness and translucence. It is made from a hard paste containing kaolin, feldspar and quartz.