Object Description
The frame of this fine, Italian, antique giltwood mirror references a style that was often used in designs for marquetry that was popular late in the reign of Louis XIV and pioneered by marqueteur Andre-Charles Boulle. However, here the effect is achieved by gilt painted onto glass in reverse, and laid over black, ebonised wood. The design painted onto the glass features scrolling, symmetrical arabesques peppered with classical profiles and portraits, surrounded by a border of gilt egg and dart.