ELEGANT GAME TABLE Russia, last third of the... Lot 94

ELEGANT GAME TABLE Russia, last third of the 18th century Oak frame; mahogany; mahogany veneer; gilt bronzes, gilt brass H. 72 cm, W. 81 cm, D. 40 cm Open H. 72 cm, W. 162 cm, D. 40 cm This "portfolio" games table rests on four legs, two of which swivel to accommodate the tilting section of the top. The games section is covered with green felt. On the edges and in the four corners, there are receptacles for the chips in the mahogany. The top of the cabinet is strongly recessed at the corners, underlined by a gilded brass moulding. It is supported by four elegant jambs with oak leaf hooves. Leafy falls adorn the upper part. The high belt is adorned with rich gilded bronze appliques centered with Medusa heads on a radiant background. Friezes of arabesques stamped with an escutcheon with the emblems of the Sacred Heart, heads of rams, and finials complete the decor. A similar table, dated to the last third of the 18th century, belonged to the former collection of John T. Dorrance (see fig. 1). It differs from ours in that it has less rich bronze trim, no side plates and acanthus leaf falls.