Mirror - Walnut - Mirror Villa Pullè

Description of the Work

We present an exceptionally historically and museologically important movable artwork: a majestic monumental sculpted wall mirror in the Eclectic-Neobaroque style, made in the second half of the 19th century (post-1873) to furnish the prestigious formal salons of Villa Marioni-Merchenti-Fattori-Pullè, located in Chievo (Verona). This lot represents not only a masterpiece of cabinetry and high Italian craftsmanship but also an authentic piece of Risorgimento history, carefully documented and traceable.

Artistic Features and Technical Details

Sculpted Frame: Entirely hand-carved in dark solid wood. The structure features an extremely rich and deep decorative program, characterized by phytomorphic elements (leaves and tendrils), cornucopias, finely chiseled winged putti, grotesque masks, and baroque-inspired volutes.

Heraldic Crest: The upper crown is dominated by a three-dimensional comital coronation placed above the family’s heraldic shield painted on the Pullè coat of arms.

Incised Mirror (Unicum): The central crystal, faceted and bevel-edged, bears an extraordinary reverse-incised decoration depicting a proud rooster. The figure is not mere ornament; it is the witty and expressive heraldic emblem (Le Poulet / The Rooster) chosen by Count Leopoldo Pullè for his house. The rooster is finely surrounded by a floral garland and surmounted by a crown.

THE EXTRAORDINARY HISTORICAL PROVENANCE

The value and exclusivity of this wall mirror are secured by a documented and untouchable history:

The Noble Patronage: Commissioned by the renowned Count Leopoldo Pullè (Verona 1835 – Milan 1917), illustrious nobleman, playwright, and writer (known by the pseudonym Leo di Castelnuovo). The mirror was created shortly after his marriage (1873) to Milanese countess Eleonora Turati (widow of banker Andrea Ponti) to celebrate the acquisition of Villa del Chievo and the comital title granted by the Consulta Araldica in 1871.

The Connection with the Italian Royal Family: The mirror stands as an eyewitness to Savoyard history. It is visible and documented within the rare period volume Patria, Esercito, Re (Milan, Hoepli, 1908), authored by Pullè himself. The piece was photographed in the villa’s interiors during the historic visits and stays of His Majesty King Umberto I of Savoy in Verona, in 1887 and 1897 during the Great Military Maneuvers.

A Survivor of History: In the course of the XX century, Villa Pullè suffered grave looting, abandonment, and pillage. This wall mirror represents a miraculous survivor, intact and saved from the dispersion of the original villa’s patrimony.

DOCUMENTATION INCLUDED IN THE LOT

Official Technical and Historical-Arts Expertise (Expertise) signed by Dr. Riccardo Battiferro Bertocchi, Art Historian and esteemed Expert and Technical Consultant for Cultural Heritage of the Verona Court. The expert report formally certifies the authenticity, age, heraldry, and museal provenance of the furnishing.

A purchase opportunity more unique than rare for major collectors of noble furnishings, museum institutions, or enthusiasts of Italian Risorgimento history. Pieces with this pedigree, accompanied by court expertise and photographic corroboration in editorial texts from 1908, appear on the international market only a few times per decade.

Due to the substantial dimensions, historical importance, and delicacy of the asset, the lot is offered exclusively on an on-site pickup basis (Verona, Italy).

To ensure the complete safety of the work during handling and transport, the seller will provide, at their own expense, a custom-made reinforced wooden protective case, ideal for protecting the carving and the crystal from any stress.

The buyer may collect the lot in person or delegate a private art transport courier. The seller will offer maximum cooperation and availability to facilitate loading operations.