Important Mirror, Italy, Circa 1880

An important gilded wood- and stucco mirror. Heart shaped bevelled mirror plate. Rich marquetry ornamentation with mother-of-pearl inlaid. Acanthus leaves, shells and flower baskets motifs surmounted by two putti holding flower garlands.
Mirrors applied on walls develop during the 16th century, but with small size mirror plates and heavy framing. Frequently an ornamented shutter folds down to protect the mirror plate. During the 17h century the monopoly for mirror production stays in Venice, until Colbert creates the “Manufacture Royale des Glaces” in 1666. In 1688, Lucas de Néhout invents the mirror casting system, allowing him to obtain large size mirrors. These mirrors, which could cover entirely a trumeau, become true display elements in the apartments. By reflecting the light coming from chandeliers and candelabras, they greatly enhanced the decoration of the room they were placed in.