Mirror - Wood, Glass

Charming and authentic wall mirror dating to the second half of the 19th century (the full 1800s), a superb example of Eclettico-style cabinetmaking with strong echoes of the period Neobarocco taste. The frame, entirely made of finely hand-carved wood, stands out for its sinuous, shaped line, enriched by elegant foliate volutes and curling motifs along the profiles. The upper part is dominated by a rich and elaborate fan-shaped headpiece with floral motifs, while the base features two elegant scroll feet and a central pierced apron that give liveliness to the whole structure. The surface finish is in original period silver leaf, applied over a bole preparation, which presents a splendid warm patina of time with the typical fascinating areas of wear that reveal glimpses of the underlying base, enhancing the three-dimensionality of the carving. The mercury/silvered glass is original to the 19th century and contemporaneous with the frame. It shows widespread the highly sought-after unmistakable signs of age, characterized by dense pinpoint oxidation (black specks) and light brown halos due to the natural degradation of the antique reflective layer. This feature represents the “queenproof” of the piece’s authenticity, giving it a unique character and an aesthetically timeless flavor.