Pair of side tables in the Louis XVI style from France. This pair is ebonized and finished with a lustrous French polish of museum quality. Each table has two dovetailed drawers and is topped with Carrara marble surrounded by a brass gallery. Each dovetailed drawer is trimmed with brass and features a brass knob. Each table is supported by tall, tapered legs with brass feet. They are in excellent antique condition – the photos accurately depict the condition.
Louis XVI Style refers to the style defined by the period in France under the reign of King Louis XVI (1760-1789) — the last French monarch before the Revolution. Inspired by the discoveries of Pompeii and Herculaneum, this era saw a revival of Greek and Roman styles. There was a sharp movement away from the Rococo style, as curved lines and heavy ornamentation became unfashionable, giving way to clean, straight lines. Restrained, geometrical forms were preferred and stylized references to classical Greek architecture were recaptured. Furniture and interiors were refined, sophisticated, calm and symmetrical.