This unique Italian wall mirror is from Venice, circa 1730. A small, shaped mirror sits a few inches above the main mirror, separated by a hand-carved giltwood frame and surrounded by highly detailed carvings.

Vertically oriented, the glass measures roughly 28 x 22 inches. It is surrounded by a rectangular frame with raised step molding. The molding is adorned with floral and foliate elements, C-scrolls, and sinuous medallions on top of a diapered background. The exterior end of the frame is gadrooned, while the interior edge has a linear motif that alternates height, forming an undulating border.

At each corner of the frame there is an elaborate, pierced rocaille carving. Gadrooned leaves with floral and foliate offshoots are affixed to the top corners of the frame. Similar carvings with paw feet terminals can be found at the bottom corners. On the top of the frame, there is a large, pierced crown that encompasses the 5 x 8 ½ shaped mirror. A mascaron surmounted on a large pinnatipartite leaf rests on top of the mirror. A shaped cavetto molding embellished with floral and foliate growth emanates from behind the mascaron. On both sides of the mirror are volute scrolls that terminate into curled leaves.

This mirror is a typical example of a highly skilled Venetian workers of the eighteenth century, certainly part of the furnishings of a noble Venetian house. Our hand-carved giltwood Italian mirror has been rigged for hanging, making it a great signature piece for a bathroom, bedroom or hallway.

CONDITION: Good antique condition with age separations and minor losses. Old repairs and touchups visible. Minor silvering to main mirror, with more pronounced silvering to the smaller mirror.