Description
A rare early-18th century carved cut gesso and giltwood mirror. Circa 1730.
The boldly-carved acanthus and rosettes to the broken swan-neck pediment are centred by elaborately-carved foliate decoration to a cartouche with a punched ground. The latter is continued throughout the border of this looking glass.
To the base, rosettes and further leaf carving and the punch-decorated apron centred by a crisply-carved shell.
The original soft-bevelled plate is merely lightly foxed – providing a good reflection – set within an elegantly-shaped frame, with scrolling ears to the corners. The shell and scrolling themes are typically early Rococo.
This is a lovely example in excellent condition, very well preserved, retaining almost all of the original water gilding.
