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Neoclassical Overmantle Mirror in Gilded Wood Italy 18th Century

Description
Richly and finely carved overmantle mirror in gilded linden. The main frame is a rectangular gouged frame with ribbons on the rear and beads in the inside. Upon the gouging there is a braid in full relief, which is placed between a ribbon and a floral garland, the motif is very delicately carved. On the upper part of the frame there is a medallion which presents the profile of the goddess Diana; two floral festoons connect the central tied ribbon to the edges of the frame. The big festoons of double order ulteriorly descend; they are abundantly carved with leaves and flowers, especially roses. Upon them there are two rosettes with incense burners. These two lateral frames are wing shaped and lay on two lions. The lions are calm and secure holding a sphere between their paws, they are placed in a foliaceous cradle. This curve indicates that the mirror was originally placed in a boiserie and not in the current gilded nineteenth century basements. Mercury mirrors, gold leaf with chiaroscuro effects obtained through the use of shiny and opaque material. This effect is emphasized in the medallion: the chiselling makes the back surface opaque and rough. The woods used are linden for the main part and the carved areas, fir for the panels which protect the mercury mirrors.