Hand-crafted in Italy in the early 1700’s, this pair of polychrome Venetian mirrored sconces have gilded carvings offset by floral paint. The shaped mirrors are surrounded by a border festooned with a repeating geometric pattern. This gilded section is in turn surrounded by a raised border painted with red flowers and green foliage over a light green background.

Each mirror is topped by a pierced shell crown that have also been painted with flowering vegetation. The tips of the shell are gilded, as are the acanthus curls that the shell sits on. The curls transition seamlessly into gilded floral and foliate embellishments that flare outwards and then trail down the sides. At the bottom of each mirror is a gilded and painted base comprised of curled leaves, scrolls, and a floral center. Two sinuous sconce arms emanate from the center of the flower. Each sconce is topped by a gilded parted leaf bobeche with cylindrical cups and has flowering vines wrapped around arms. In between the sconces is a third arm that gracefully bends downwards and terminates in a flower.

Our pair of early 18th century polychrome Venetian mirrored sconces would make great additions to just about any room of the house. They could be wired for light bulbs or simply hung as is, instantly adding grace to whichever wall they are placed on.

CONDITION: Wear commensurate to age and use with age separations and minor losses (fragile). Light loss of silvering to both mirrors, with visible oxidation/buildup on one. Wax buildup present on sconce cups and the sconce arms lightly slot into the bracket, causing them to appear loose. Old repairs. The backs have been wired for hanging.