A Mannerist Parcel-Gilt Architectural Tabernacle Mirror - Lustro - Drewno złocone

A Mannerist Parcel-Gilt and Polychrome Architectural Tabernacle Mirror

South Germany (Augsburg / Nuremberg) or Northern Italy (Veneto)

Description
Carved in pine and hardwood, parcel-gilt and polychromed. Designed in the architectural form of a classical Renaissance tabernacle (specchio a tabernacolo).

The rectangular aperture within a deeply molded, parcel-gilt inner frame carved with continuous beaded astragal molding, flanked by two finely sculptural winged angel herms (caryatids) with hands crossed across their chests, each resting on tapering consoles carved with acanthus foliation and fluting in the manner of Jacopo Sansovino.

The entablature and molded base are decorated with delicate parcel-gilt foliate scrolls, arabesques, and stylized palmettes set against a contrasting dark charcoal-grey ground. The whole is supported on a stepped, projecting architectural plinth designed to stand independently as a tabletop or cabinet piece.

Dimensions
Height: 52 cm (20.5 in.)

Width: 55 cm (21.7 in.)

Depth: approx. 8 cm (3.1 in.)

Condition Report
Carving & Polychromy: Excellent structural condition with crisp definition to the carved angel figures and architectural moldings. Authentic, honest wear throughout the gilding and dark polychrome ground, attractively revealing the underlying red bole (assiette) and localized areas of white gesso ground. Minor, stable shrinkage cracks consistent with age and wood movement.

Plate: The mirror glass is of later date (19th/20th century), in clear and functional state.

Reverse: Original hand-hewn backboard intact, retaining its historical paper sealing bands. A small iron screw-eye has been added to the upper reverse in the 19th/20th century for wall hanging; the frame also stands securely on its molded base.