19th Century French Napoleon III Period Mahogany Marble Top Center Table

19th Century French Napoleon III Period Mahogany Marble Top Center Table is a classic example of the diversity and amazing craftsmanship that emerged from France during the reign of its last monarch.  Designed to be one of the first pieces encountered when entering a home, it was fitted with a full coverage circular Carrara marble top creating a neutral effect which explains the popularity of the white marble with gray veins for centuries.  The edges of the marble were cut with "finger grooves" to stop errant water leaking from fresh flower displays.  The support structure was entirely crafted from exotic imported mahogany, and features a tailored apron and a generously sized central shaft lavished with acanthus plume carvings.  Below are scrolled tripod legs adorned with foliate carvings and scrolled feet.  The central shaft is finished with a circular medallion just in case the table was used on an elevated floor section, such as a stairwell landing, and visible from a low angle.
Circa 1860s
Measures 29H x 39 in diameter