This giltwood altar mirror, which dates to the late 1600s, was hand-carved in France, during the Baroque period.  It was recently hung on the wall of a chateau in Dijon, France.  The well-carved frame overlaps the shaped mirror, presenting as several parclose mirrors that surround the central section of glass. Areas of the frame have hand-painted elements, most noticeably clusters of grapes, which have a deep green and red hue. Four winged cherub mascarons with foliage around their necks are intertwined within the sprawling grapevines. At the top of the mirror is a bird emerging from a cloud that partially obscures a six-point sunburst. Birds are often associated with hope, while the sunburst typically symbolizes strength. Additional motifs include C-scrolls, attenuated curves, and a pierced leaf. All of the carvings have varying thickness, which gives the motifs more prominence. The result is a beautiful Baroque mirror that can be placed above a mantel, in a small bathroom, or hung from a hallway wall.

CONDITION: Good antique condition. Commensurate loss of silver to the glass, which is a highly sought-after trait. Minor nicks and losses to the frame, which has old restoration coupled with more recent work. There is a small crack to the glass of the bottom parcloses. Rigged for hanging.