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Description: AN ITALIAN GILT-METAL MOUNTED BLUE AND GREEN MURANO AND CUT-GLASS MIRROR FRAME, VENETIAN LATE 17TH CENTURY

wtih an acanthus leaf-cast mirrored cresting, above a later rectangular plate within a leaf-cast border, with a mirrored ground applied with polychrome glass flowers and leaves, with a gilt-metal cartouche at each corner with a jasper roundel

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Dimensions: 75cm., high, 52cm. wide; 2ft. 5 1/2in., 1ft. 8 1/2in.

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Notes: Comparative Literature:

Graham Child, World Mirrors, London, 1990, p. 241, fig. 538, for a virtually identical mirror.

See the Musei e Gallerie di Milano, Museo Poldi Pezzoli, Ceramiche-Vetri Mobili e Arredi, Milan, 1983,p. 358, figs. 26 & 27, for a pair of related mirrors, octagonal in form, applied with gilt-bronze and rock crystal, second half 17^th century (cat 21-22, inv. No. 1537, 1538) - reproduced here in fig. 1.

This very fine mirror frame mounted with coloured glass, rock crystal and hardstones illustrates the pinnacle of the virtuosity of Venentian artisans in the late 17th century. It flawlessly combines the delicate art of the Murano glass makers with Venetian inventiveness of design resulting in a fantastical jewel-like piece. Precious and prized materials in the 17th century are reflected in this mirror-the precious stones, Murano glass and finely cast and chased gilt-bronze mounts.

Several octagonal examples in this technique are known but the shape of the present mirror would appear to be amongst the rarest examples. The decoration reminicent of the very best Murano chandeliers is complemented by delicately cast and chased metal-work and the combination gives a jewel-like effect which must have looked magnificent in reflected candlelight.