VENICE, FIRST QUARTER 18TH CENTURY

Details

A NORTH ITALIAN GILTWOOD MIRROR
VENICE, FIRST QUARTER 18TH CENTURY
Of rectangular shape, the bevelled plate within a foliate scrolling moulded surround flanked to the sides by draped bearded tritons above winged dragons resting on foliate scroll supports and issuing a foliate candle-branch, the apron centered by a bearded mask surmounted with a stylised shell, the extensively carved pierced cresting centered with a lambrequined shell flanked by two further dragons and foliate ribbon scrolls adorned by putti, masks and surmounted by flaming urns with a dragon on a snake, the reverse marked in back ink 'AS'
82 in. (208 cm.) high; 57½ in. (146 cm.) wide

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

This extraordinary mirror, with its elaborate pierced triumphal-arched cresting, tritons and dragon-shaped candle-branches, is reminiscent of Daniel Marot's designs for mirror frames, circa 1700, as illustrated in F. Sabatelli, La Cornice Italiana, Milan, 1992, p. 79, fig 101. It relates to a group of spectacular mirrors produced in Venice throughout the 18th century, often heavily carved with allegorical figures, trophies, masks and scrolling foliage of which the most accomplished examples are in Palazzo Mocenico in San Stae, and in the throne room of Ca' Rezzonico, Venice.

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