A GILT-BRONZE RÉGENCE PERIOD SURTOUT DE TABLE

June 9 2009, 3:58pm

The present surtout de table, illustrated in Stefan Bursche's Tafelzier Des Barock, as well as in Connaissance des Arts 1956, is a rare example of the centerpieces that formed an important part of the decoration of 18th century dining tables. Table decorations resembled theater sets, which, apart from the most lavish porcelain, silverware and crystal, included dishes specially created for their visual effects where food was displayed to convey allegorical allusions to the event itself or certain honored guests. Surtouts, within this context played a key role in providing both luxury and height and “must be placed first in the middle of the table.” The present surtout is reminiscent of the drawings of Jean Berain of 1675-80 as well as a design for a surtout by Nicolaus Pineau dated 1716-1726.3 It is particularly closely related to an example from the Bensimon collection published in French Art of the 18th Century.