The Maria Edgeworth table. UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD
Among many lots of interest at the upcoming James Adam Country House Collections auction at Slane Castle on October 12 and 13 is the Maria Edgeworth table. Maria Edgeworth (1768-1849) is the author of Castle Rackrent, a satire on Anglo Irish landlords. She was one of the first realist writers in children’s literature and a significant figure in the evolution of the novel in Europe.
This Italian early nineteenth century scagliola trompe l’oeil circular table top by Pietro Della Valle with signature acanthus leaf and anthemion ground is decorated in a naturalistic manner with four scattered engravings. It contains the sheet music for ‘St. Patricks Day in the morning’. There is an envelope addressed to ‘Miss Edgeworth, Edgeworthstown, Ireland’ from William Macbean and an extract from Sir Walter Scott’s General Preface to The Waverely Novels where he commends Miss Edgeworth’s literary accomplishments. Dated to 1842 this rare curiosity is estimated at 40,000-60,000.
UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD BUT SUBJECT TO NEGOTIATION AFTER THE AUCTION.