Exceptionally Rare American Rococo Ebonized Walnut and Marquetry Center Table, c. 1855-1865, New York, likely Gustav Herter, turtle-shaped top, paneled frieze centered by a maiden mask cartouche, scrolled cabriole legs surmounted by mythological masks, scrolled X-stretcher centered by an abundant floral basket, scrolled toes, h. 34 1/2 in., w. 52 1/2 in., d. 33 in. Provenance: The Schoenberger Collection, 1812 Palmer Avenue, New Orleans. Note: German cabinetmaker Gustave Herter immigrated to New York in 1848 and quickly rose to prominence as one of New York’s preeminent cabinetmakers during the 1850s. Herter’s robustly carved furniture often incorporated sculptural figural carvings and imported marquetry from Paris, as evident on a center table held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (acc. 2017.135) that shares similar aspects to the table in the present lot. Herter later formed the Herter Brothers firm with his brother Christian and their creations decorated some of the most prestigious residences of the Gilded Age.Ref.: “Center Table, ca. 1860,” The Metropolitan Museum of Art. metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/712140; Howe, Katherine S., et al. Herter Brothers: Furniture and Interiors for a Gilded Age. Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 1994, pp. 132-133, 137.

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