A North Italian giltwood mirror, late 17th century

Michel Dumez-Onof, 17 July 1974

This type of boldly carved scrolled acanthus mirror, reflecting the Baroque desire for a total dramatic concept, was produced in various centres in North Italy in the late 17th century. An almost identical mirror from the collection of Alice Tully was sold at Christie’s, London, 16th May 1996, lot 266. 

Although it is difficult to ascertain the source for the design of this mirror, similarities should be stressed with the work of Italian craftsmen like the ornamental designer Filippo Passarini (1638-1698) who published 'Nuove invenzioni d'ornamenti d'architettura e d'intagli diversi' in 1698 (see E. Colle, Il Mobile Barocco in Italia, Milano, 2000, p.110, pl.24). Some parallels can also be found with the work of another Italian sculptor and furniture maker, Andrea Fantoni (1699-1734) whose exuberant work was influenced by Andrea Brustolon (see C.Alberici, Il Mobile Lombardo, Milano, 1969, pp.96-97).  

Related examples are illustrated in G. Child, World Mirrors, London, 1990, pp.258-259 and in E. Colle, Il Mobile Barocco in Italia, Milano, 2000, pp.386-387.