Lot 579: AN ITALIAN PARCEL-GILT AND WALNUT MIRROR

AN ITALIAN PARCEL-GILT AND WALNUT MIRROR
MID 19TH CENTURY, POSSIBLY THE WORKSHOP OF ANGIOLO BARBETTI (SIENA 1805-FLORENCE 1873), THE MIRROR PLATE LOUIS XIII
The circular plate with nine convex-etched circles within a moulded frame carved with flowers, scales and a coat-of-arms, surmounted by a roundel depicting an eagle standing on a fish
62 cm. high x 43 cm. wide

This finely carved walnut frame shows significant similarities to other 19th Century frames signed by Angiolo Barbetti (Siena 1805-Florence 1873). Barbetti was a skilled carver, designer and decorator, who established a flourishing atelier in Florence producing a large range of carved ivory, ebony and walnut furniture including frames, cornices, candelabra and much larger commissions as lavishly inlaid cabinets and tables. A regular award winner in the international fairs and exhibitions, Barbetti was even selected to represent tuscany at the London International Exhibition of 1851. A related carved frame was presented in 1839 at the Esposizione Regionale di Firenze, as a new type of Renaissance revival piece described to be manufactured specifically for a demanding export market.

A comparable 'Sorcieres' mirror, also called witch mirror is shown in S. Roche e.a., Spiegel, 1985, Tuebingen, pl. 53,54.