Pair of Italian Eighteenth Century Rococo Carved and Gilded Wood Mirrors
A pair of very fine Northern Italian Rococo carved and gilded wood mirrors. Of grand scale and elaborately carved in symmetrical form with flowers, scrollwork and rocailles. A metal mount for the candle branches is still attached at the bottom of each mirror, as these originated for use as girandole or wall sconces. The mirror plates were used to reflect the candle light to increase the volume of light in the dark interiors of the time, while the gilded and carved surfaces also reflect the light. The mirror of cartouche shape with dramatic high cresting resembling antlers. The frame displays beautiful burnished water gilding and oil gilding. The red bole visible mostly in areas of high relief carved detail having accumulated a beautiful patina. With their original mirror plates, which were most challenging to make at the time and highly prized, as they were quite expensive to acquire. These are highly sculptural hand-carved pieces which would make a dramatic and singular statement in any interior style.
Northern Italy, circa 1760
Size: 41" high x 24" wide x 10" deep