catalog text
VERY LARGE ITALIAN ROCOCO CARVED GILTWOOD MIRROR
Probably Milan, circa 1760
Item # 403DWK11C
An exceedingly good and most substantial Italian Rococo wall mirror from the mid-18th century, the piece likely is a product of Milan and remains a well-preserved example. With an all-over pierced frame, the design features extraordinary liveliness with a loosely symmetrical display of C-scrolls and rocaille displays of shellwork under furls of foliage with hints of carved flowers along the vines flowing through the frame. The interior edge is brilliantly molded with sharp angular movements, the upper with demilune shoulders and the lower coming together in large points into the C-scroll bottom corners and minor points over the beautifully developed animal paw feet. The reverse retains an original wrought-iron bracket that is well considered for the weight and substance of the mirror. Old Sotheby's labels retained verso.
Measurements: approximately 71" H x 55 3/4" W
Condition Report:
Areas of regilt and surface restoration, overall gilding quite old with a lovely patina while also presenting an overall matte surface (gilding soft and dull); chips with gesso visibilty here and there, more notably along joint lines, though not very extensive; various carvings with restored breaks and cracks; both mirror plates are replacements with silvering loss and other blemishes; partially rebacked with a later yellow wash to backboards, likely mitigating the old inactive pest damage. An exceedingly good presentation, very fine.