18th Century Italian Baroque Period Carta Gloria Mirror

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Description

A most impressive, large scale, museum exhibition quality Baroque period Italian carta gloria (altar card) giltwood frame, now fashioned as … Read more A most impressive, large scale, museum exhibition quality Baroque period Italian carta gloria (altar card) giltwood frame, now fashioned as a wall mirror.

Born in Italy in the 18th century, possibly Venetian, the exceptionally executed ecclesiastic antique, circa 1730, features a curved, cartouche shaped wood frame, richly gilded, and surrounded by ornate, finely detailed hand carved and sculpted Rocaille elements of leafy acanthus volute spiral scroll motif, having a floral crest over center medallion adorned with Marian monogram religious symbol, decorative beaded trim ornamentation that once framed the main altar card now encasing a later flat mirror plate.

A truly magnificent example of the European Baroque Art movement, the rare religious folk art work presents superbly, with intricate carving, movement, exuberant detail, grandeur, and surprise to achieve a sense of awe.

Provenance:
From a prominent Dallas, Texas estate

Dimensions:(approx)
26.5" High, 35" Wide, 2" Deep;
10lbs

Altar cards explain the part of the Mass being performed, containing certain prayers that the priest must say during the Mass, and their only purpose is as a memory aid, although they are usually very beautifully decorated.

Not used prior to the 16th century, Pope Pius V restored the Missal, only the card at the middle of the altar was used, and it was called the "Tabella Secretarum".

The use of altar cards had strict rules, including it may only stand on the altar during Mass. The center one (the one offered here) stands against the Tabernacle, or altar cross, and after Mass, must either be removed or placed face downwards under the altar cover. The cards must be removed for the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. See less