SET OF TWO ORNAMENTAL MIRRORS. GILT WOOD. ROCCOCO, 18TH CENTURY.
Antiques - Furniture
Reference: ZF0276
Pair of cornucopias. Carved and gilded wood. 18th century. Pair of carved and gilded wooden cornucopias decorated with a fine molding on the inside and an elaborate composition of plant elements with scallop-like shapes on the outside, leaving empty spaces and with a marked asymmetry in both, tempered by carving both examples with the same decoration. These types of mirrors were only made for grand houses, as their primary purpose was to reflect the light from candles and lamps in these luxurious interiors, thus showcasing the wealth of their owners. The method of manufacturing mirrors from sheets of glass was discovered in Venice in the 16th century and remained a secret for about a century, until the role of mercury in the process became known in London and Paris, allowing for the widespread use of these materials. However, the use of cornucopias did not become widespread in Europe until the Rococo period, and their use and creation have continued ever since. From the beginning, and with the intention of displaying the owner's wealth and aiding in illumination, it was customary to gild them after they were carved. The movement of the pieces inside, where the mirror would have been, provides an initial clue to their artistic style. As for their decoration, the vegetal elements, the volutes, the curved forms contrasting with counter-curves, and the scallop-shell details clearly indicate that both pieces belong to the Rococo period, distinguishing them from both the more Neoclassical-influenced 18th-century examples and those of the 19th century. The asymmetry in the decoration of each cornucopia points to the beginnings of this style, since, over time, the contrasts characteristic of this artistic style were softened, resulting in more symmetrical compositions.
· Size: 64x25x110 cms.
2.500 €
