Italy
Circa 1890

Painted wood

Height :  212 cm (83,5 in.) ; Width :  130 cm (51,2 in.)

This large mirror with carved and polychrome wooden glazing bars stands out for its highly architectural and decorative composition, inspired by the Baroque and Rococo styles, which were particularly appreciated in Italy during this period.
The richly carved frame is adorned with an abundant décor of foliage, flowers, and scrolling motifs, executed in relief and enhanced with polychromy in natural tones (greens, pinks, and ochres) elegantly contrasting with the gilded elements. The openwork crest at the top features an important motif of symmetrical leafy volutes framing a slender central ornament that accentuates the overall verticality of the piece. The finely molded lateral and upper glazing bars structure the main mirror and amplify the reflection of light, while reinforcing the monumentality of the composition. The base of the frame is decorated with a carved floral garland, embellished with cascading flowers and foliage, resting on small sculpted feet that lend both stability and elegance.

The whole demonstrates craftsmanship of high quality, characteristic of late 19th-century Italian decorative production, combining sculptural virtuosity, ornamental richness, and a taste for theatricality. This mirror was intended for a formal interior, where it fulfilled both a decorative and a functional role.

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Italy
Circa 1880

Giltwood

Height : 180 cm (70,8 in.) ; Width : 114 cm (44,8 in.)

Elegant sculpted giltwood mirror, of curved shape, with a rich rocaille openwork decoration of flowers, scrolls and acanthus leaves.

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Italy
19^th century

Main mirror : Height : 49 cm (19.3 in.) ; Width : 43 cm (16.9 in.) ; Depth : 6 cm (2.3 in.)
Small mirrors : Height : 40 cm (15.7 in.) ; Width : 34 cm (13.4 in.) ; Depth : 4 cm (1.6 in.)

Elegant set of three mirrors, probably Venetian, in gilded bronze and scalloped shape, resting on an easel.
Rich ornementation inspired by the rocaille, decorated with foliage, acanthus leaves and shells.

Commentary

Originally in tin or bronze, the discovery of the glass mirror is a revolution : its invention in Murano offers new possibilities for its use. This secret of manufacture expands slowly in Europe, and Italy keeps the exclusivity and exports its mirrors in the rest of Europe, influencing the production.

The simplicity of the first mirror frames evolves to follow the Gothic and Renaissance spirit of the time. Bronze ornaments, precious stones are associated with wood.

During the 17th century, manufactures appear in other European countries, soliciting the expertise of the Venetian glass masters.

The production of glass mirrors improves, allowing the fabricants to obtain bigger surfaces and shapes that match the interior design.

If the mirror fabrication has reached throughout the centuries many countries, the Venetian mirror remains well-known for its luxury, its elegance and its prestigious shape.

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Italy
Second half of the 19^th century

Height : 203 cm (79,9 in.) ; Width : 130 cm (51,2 in.)

An important carved giltwood mirror of Régence inspiration, with a rich frame beautifully decorated of arabesques. The top is richly ornamented with a cherub and surmounted by a mask on a spread shell. The whole profusely carved with scrolls, flowers and foliage.

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France

Patinated and gilt bronze, “Rosso Antico” marble, Lapis lazuli, Porphyry

Height : 178 cm (69,6 in.) ; Width : 100 cm (39,3 in.)

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France
Circa 1860

Height : 225 cm (88,6 in.) ; Width : 135 cm (53 in.) ; Depth : 10 cm (4 in.)

An important carved and gilded wood mirror, with a very fine decoration made of flower garlands wrapped around the moulded frame, sculpted with acanthus leaves. A large foliate shell ornaments the top of the mirror.

Mirrors applied on walls develop during thr 16th century, but with small size mirror plates and heavy framing. Frequently an ornamented shutter folds down to protect the mirror plate. During the 17th century the monopoly for mirror production stays in Venice, until Colbert creates the “Manufacture Royale des Glaces” in 1666. In 1688, Lucas de Néhout invents the mirror casting system, allowing him to obtain large size mirrors. These mirrors, which could cover entirely a trumeau, become true display elements in the apartments. By reflecting the light coming from chandeliers and candelabras, they greatly enhanced the decoration of the room they were placed in.

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Italy
Circa 1880

Height : 200 cm (74,7 in.) ; Width : 120 cm (47,2 in.)

An important gilded wood- and stucco mirror. Heart shaped bevelled mirror plate. Rich marquetry ornamentation with mother-of-pearl inlaid. Acanthus leaves, shells and flower baskets motifs surmounted by two putti holding flower garlands.

Mirrors applied on walls develop during the 16th century, but with small size mirror plates and heavy framing. Frequently an ornamented shutter folds down to protect the mirror plate. During the 17h century the monopoly for mirror production stays in Venice, until Colbert creates the “Manufacture Royale des Glaces” in 1666. In 1688, Lucas de Néhout invents the mirror casting system, allowing him to obtain large size mirrors. These mirrors, which could cover entirely a trumeau, become true display elements in the apartments. By reflecting the light coming from chandeliers and candelabras, they greatly enhanced the decoration of the room they were placed in.

The post Miroir d’apparat <br/> Giltwood and Marqueterie appeared first on Tobogan Antiques.