French Painted Work and Games Table, c1810-1840

A French painted work and games table from the first half of the 19th century. The body is painted in a soft blue-green, with white painted decoration: a central motif of a floral urn with garlands and trailing leaf sprigs on the lid, and a delicate dotted border along the drawer front. The legs are an elegant X-frame or curule form with sweeping sabre feet joined by a turned central stretcher, the whole thing balanced and perfectly proportioned. 

The lid swivels and lifts to reveal a cream satin damask work surface, taut and original, printed with a diamond lattice and classical medallion pattern that is in itself a small document of period taste. The interior compartments below are lined in polished wood. The drawer pulls out to show the same damask lining. This type of table served as a games table when the lid was turned and opened.

Condition: The painted surface shows wear consistent with age and use, most notably at the edges, corners, and feet where the blue-green paint has rubbed to reveal the underlying wood. The cream satin damask lining to the games table surface and drawer is in good condition with some age-related spotting; refer to photos.

Dimensions: H 70cm, W 55cm, D 36cm (folds out to W 55cm x D 72.5cm)