Gilded wood console, on the spacer representation of Leda and the swan
This console rests on four double-cambered feet. The wide belt is decorated in the centre with a large openwork shell from which garlands of flowers hang at the top of the foot. The sides are also decorated with openwork shells.
The curved feet in double S shape are decorated in their upper part with a laurel branch ending in a finial. The rest of the foot is punctuated with a decoration of palms. The X-shaped spacer linking the four legs has an eagle in its center holding a bird in its talons. We can think that it is the representation of Leda and the swan. When Zeus wants to unite with Leda, he asks for help from Aphrodite: the latter is transformed into an eagle and Zeus into a swan. At the sight of the swan terrorized by the eagle, Leda welcomes the swan in her arms, which takes advantage of the opportunity to unite with her.
This console is the perfect illustration of what the artists of the 1720s/1730s were able to achieve with a diversified ornamental repertoire combined with a thoughtful use of ajours and a clever mix of curves and counter-curves that give the furniture a lightness quite characteristic of the achievements of this period.
The work on this console is very similar to the work of the famous sculptor Desgoullons who worked for Versailles.
The Louis XV style opens with what is called the Rocaille.
All the decorative ornaments of the Regency, their vigorous treatment, find a new bloom in a style that favours curves, abundance and asymmetry.
"The soul loves symmetry, but it also loves contrast.
