Posted 1 year ago
PhilDMorris
(216 items)
Here are more pics to show my favorite table (Gueridon) of all time. Only now do I really feel my home has been completed since about 2006 although in reality when I bought this Gueridon from Sothebys in NYC, it was 3 years earlier. The bronze figures which often look black change in colour as to the time of day and intensity of light, from green to brown to black. The finish of all parts are original.
A guéridon is a small to medium size table supported by one or more columns, or sculptural human or mythological figures, often with a circular top. The guéridon originated in France towards the middle of the 17th century. The supports for early guéridons were often modeled on ancient Egyptian and Greek as well as various human traditional figures (inspired by caryatids).
Another note that I add not mentioned before is that I seen another piece or 2 making me think it was a match. It came with one of the bronze figures but it was a console. I did not like the serpentine shape to it so I never bid on it. I believe now it may have been part of a set. The pieces were still in Paris at an auction about 5 years ago.
Here are some different views of the gueridon showing more of the pose of the Egyptian or Assyrian type women who stand in an almost severe pose like sentinals guarding the sacred fire that was not allowed to go out. Originally there were only two then more of the vestal virgins. There is the feeling of the hieriatic pose of the sentinals which share in that of Egyptian furniture that has an almost impenetrable air of grandeur keeping with this notion of mystery that is all around these pieces.
The table/Gueridon is shown pictured in the book on Bernard Molitor who made furniture for 2 kings of France and of course Napolean. It was last owned before me by John E. Dupont, and has his collection sticker under the marble top.. The minister Dupont fearing retribution by Napoleon left france and took his posessions that were guarded on the overseas boat by hired guard ! Also for some more proof, the table has some of the Dupont branded marks that Dupont put of the burned in dP brand. The experts at Sothebys at that sale did not know the table was by a famous maker. The author Uben, the expert on Molitor, said this table was made somewhere between 1806 to 1810 and is cataloged in his book !~
Yes that table is fabulous! Rest of the room isn't too shabby either :)
Kudos Phil for this individual posting of your wonderful piece!
I've always admired it in your other posts about your decor :-D
XO
Thanks BHIFOS, my pride and joy !~
pooh this is AWFULL lot of money , i think the question is is it an Thomire application
Elegance.
Wow what an amazing Beauty!!
Just fabulous, Phil..as is everything I can see in your photos, you have wonderful taste..xoxo
you don,t get it do you you outplayed Sothesby,s you deserve the red carpet , welcome in the major league kid
Thank you Kyra, much love sent to you !~
Thank you Apostata, I think. I am not sure if it is by Thomire. I only know Molitar made most of his pieces one-0f and the bronze mounts are some of the nicest made of extreme high quality and share some of the same ones in the King of Westphalia's collection. The author of the book, Uben, from what I think is that he does not mention if he used Thomire for the mounts as there were others who did fine work !~
Amazing Craftsmanship:)
Sounds like you go a deal of a lifetime:)
Exquisite Gueridon table, the bronze figure legs are so beautiful. Phil, your home is magnificent & endlessly fascinating. I adore your book collection as well
Very stunning piece Phil!! I love everything about it!!
Yes Trey I certainly did. I hate to say this but the day that it sold to me one factor arose that made it go my way. Bush announced war ! When that happens there are people who hold back on what they buy !~
Thank you aposta, I very much enjoyed your second comment !~
Stunning table. I love it.
It is truly wonderful to see/here other people talking/writing about their most treasured possessions with such poetic fondness.
I was beginning to think I was alone in how much I adore the things I choose to surround myself with. My faith in humanity is restored!!
Meanwhile, a magnificent Gueridon it is too. A cheaper version would have used ebonized wood (or worse) however as you chose to do as all dealers and decorators will tell you and buy the best you could afford, you have the delight of experiencing the stunning modelling of the bronze "Priestess'" in all of their early French Egyptian Revival (pre-dating the English revival by 70 off years) glory.
You ought be proud to own it, just as the Sun King would have been!
Thank you APEXantiques for such nice comments. I also have Sotheby's catalog pages that I saved when this was first sold. I saved those pictures for over 10 years before this table went up for auction the second time. I knew when I first laid eyes on pictures of the table that it would be mine some day !~