The wonderfully decorative gilt gesso girandole mirror of serpentine outline adorned with two branch acanthus candelabra terminating to a floral pediment top and further swag decoration throughout to a lower bunch of grapes, the mirror retaining its original mirror plate, with a very well established patination and texture, surviving from the third quarter of nineteenth century Italy.
Unknown.
A girandole is an elaborate wall bracket incorporating one or more candleholders and frequently a mirror to reflect the light. An object of luxury, it was usually embellished with carving and gilding. Although the name is Italian in origin, girandoles reached the greatest heights of fashion (in the second half of the 18th century) in France and England. At the beginning of this period they represented the most exuberant expression of the Rococo.
A wonderfully un-touched and un-spoiled mirror swirling with a wonderful romance.
The girandole has just about as much character and patination as you could hope for without being too far gone. There are some small cracks to the gilding around the frame and some loss to the grapes at the lowest section. The mirror plate appears to be original with the backboards in place and a hanging chain present.
By appointment only.
