Important and monumental mirror in wood masterfully carved, carved and gilded with gold leaf, made from a design by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Rome, 17th century.

Dimensions : Height 280 cm x Length 110 cm x Depth 20 cm

The preparatory drawings for the mirror are kept at the Metropolitan Museum of New York.

the dispecchiera is animated in the lower part by two satyrs who seem to hold up all the accurate leafy tangle of climbing myrtle that completely envelops the mirror. The swirling foliage decoration is contrasted by the linear and smooth stop, which seems to act as an upright for the climbing leaves, all in a pleasant overall vitality, with a strong sculptural connotation even before being functional as a mirror. The robust presence of the myrtle plant, faithfully reproduced with a surprising naturalism, is an admirable masterpiece of wood carving, a real triumph of technical virtuosity en plein esprit baroque aimed at the amazement of the spectator. Seventeenth-century Roman cabinetmaking, especially in furniture, reached unattainable heights, delineating all the distinctive characters of the Roman Baroque skillfully received even by European courts, absolutist and sumptuous like that of the King of France, Louis XIV.

In ancient times, myrtle (Myrtus communis) was a sacred plant to Venus, as it was believed that the goddess, just born from the foam of the sea, had taken refuge in a myrtle grove to hide from the sight of a satyr. This explains the connection between the two mythological beings and this mythical plant emblem of the Mediterranean scrub.

We must imagine the presence of this sumptuous piece of furniture in a sumptuous Roman period building, probably placed on a console to give luster and shine to the whole environment.

In excellent condition. For more information on the exhibited object and more specifically regarding a more comprehensive understanding of the state of conservation, we recommend that you contact us by phone. We also remind you that it is possible to view the works in our gallery in Naples in Piazza San Pasquale 8/9 by making an appointment with the owner.

By law we issue a certificate of authenticity.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 335 6374857

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https://it.serraoantiques.com/

Thanks for your attention.