Exceptional Antique Italian Florentine Giltwood Mirror, Hand-Carved in the Baroque Rococo Style

Details

Description

Exceptional antique Italian Florentine giltwood mirror, hand-carved in the Baroque Revival / Rococo style typical of late 19th to early … Read more Exceptional antique Italian Florentine giltwood mirror, hand-carved in the Baroque Revival / Rococo style typical of late 19th to early 20th-century could be Florentine workshops. The deeply carved openwork frame is composed of swirling acanthus leaf scrolls (rinceaux) that cascade from an elaborate central crest at the top, flow dynamically around the sides, and terminate in an openwork apron centered by a stylized palmette anthemion at the bottom. The mirror plate is bordered by a finely carved laurel-leaf inner frame.
Style & Origin
The Florentine tradition refers to the carved giltwood furniture and mirrors produced in Florence, Italy — characterized by heavy hand-carved acanthus and scroll work, water-gilding over red bole ground, and three-dimensional openwork (à jour) carving. This piece is an excellent representative example.We are not sure though where it was made.
Construction
• Hand-carved wood frame (traditional Italian poplar or basswood)
• Water-gilt (oro al agua) finish over red bole ground — the original Florentine technique
• Original beveled mirror plate with characteristic age-related silvering loss along the lower edge.
• Carved laurel-leaf inner frame surrounding the plate
Period
Looks like an Italy, circa 1880–1920. Late 19th to early 20th-century looks like a Florentine workshop production.
Condition
Excellent overall antique condition. Carved frame fully intact with no visible losses to acanthus elements; original gilding present with desirable mellow patina and minor wear consistent with age. Original beveled glass retains age-appropriate silvering loss along the edges a hallmark of authenticity, not a defect.
Dimensions (approximate currently mounted; precise measurements available on inspection)
• Height: ~50” (≈ 127 cm)
• Width: ~55” (≈ 140 cm)
• Depth: ~5” (≈ 13 cm)

Private collection — residential ownership. See less