Antique French Louis XIV Walnut Banquet Table

Antique French Louis XIV Walnut Banquet Table is a superlative example of the cabinetmaker's art, and features timeless styling of an elegant form for which the French are world renowned!  Utilizing sumptuous hand-select walnut and featuring a design that emphasizes the natural beauty and opulence of the wood, the craftsmen created a spacious top with gently rounded corners, preventing any sharp edges from protruding into the traffic patterns around the room.  The solid plank top is supported all around by an undulating apron with carved edge molding sculpted right into the actual apron wood itself, not separately cut and applied!  On each corner and centered on each of four sides appear shells carved in relief, which on the long sides are flanked by floral and foliate designs, all carved directly into the apron itself.  Support is provided by four massive, boldly scrolled cabriole legs shaped like elongated corbels with scrolls on top and bottom, with an acanthus flourish emanating from the bottom scroll upwards back towards the table top.  The four legs are connected with an ingenious and elegantly formed stretcher which features a lyre shape on the short ends to allow for footroom to those seated at the head and foot of the table, while curving inward towards the center span which connects all four to provide stylish strength, especially considering the carved molding and turned finials making this table gorgeous even if it stands in the room by itself without a single chair!
Circa early 1900s
Measures 30.5H x 93W x 51D; knee clearance 25.5H