Contemporary silvered and gilt bronze coffee table by JM David

This fine coffee table is made by José Maria David (1944-2015), a French postwar and contemporary artist.

The centrepiece of the table is its base. Various gilt bronze animals, such as tigers and eagles are depicted in numerous poses. Some animals are standing around the central watering hole drinking, while others like the hippo are deep in the water attempting to cool down. A pelican is seen holding a fish which he has just caught in the watering hole. The numerous animals, each one with their own story are superbly sculpted. Through this piece, the artist demonstrates his exceptional attention to detail.

Around the smooth silvered bronze watering hole, which acts as the stretcher, four branches are extending leading to the four legs on which the piece is standing. The silvered bronze frame is profusely moulded with relief foliate detailing, adding to the overall nature-inspired scene. Walking away or towards the watering hole and standing on the branches are additional animals, such as monkeys, on what appears to be a hot summer day. Two of the branches are mounted with a pair of tigers, one holding the leg of an animal he has just killed while the other is attempting to take it away from him. The other two branches are topped by single, elegantly walking tigers. Each table leg terminates in a naturalistic foot, and each is surmounted by a curved palm frond. Each leg includes a mounted gilt bronze tiger.

The table is surmounted by a glass tabletop, which enables the users and observers a full view of the scene unfolding beneath. An applied plaque can be found on one of the legs with the cast signature 'JM DAVID 2008/ LA TREVE DE LA SOIF'.

José -Maria David created pieces in a similar manner to the works of renowned animalier sculptors of the 19th century, such as Ferdinand Pautrot (1832-1874). In his works, he created realistic depictions of animals, filled with real-life features and a great sense of movement and dynamism. A superb example of his work is the coffee table in Mayfair Gallery’s collection where David expertly crafted numerous animals and the scene surrounding them.

Wonderfully made and depicting a vibrant and intriguing nature-inspired scene, this coffee table would be a magnificent statement piece for both historic and contemporary interiors.