An Italian gilt-metal and cut-glass-mounted mirror, Venetian mid 17th century

of octagonal form, the arched cresting surmounted by a stylised scallopshell above a c-scroll cartouche applied with cut-glass flowers, leaves amd scallopshells, the later divided plates around the outer border applied with grotesque masks with cut-glass eyes above a recessed octagonal plate with canted mirrored sides with acanthus leaf scrolls at the angles, the borders applied with an alternating band of stylised scallopshells and leaves, on gilded wrought iron scrolled feet; some minor losses

Galerie Maurice Ségoura, Paris.

Good overall condition. Some minor losses. Some glass elements replaced.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The octagonal shape of this mirror brings to mind three other closely related examples:

- A pair of mirrors at the Museo Poldi Pezzoli, almost identically applied with rock crystals and gilt-metal mounts.  See Musei e Galleried di Milano, Museo Poldi Pezzoli, Ceramiche, Vetri, Mobili e Arredi, Milan, 1983, p.358, figs 26 & 27, reproduced here in fig. 1.

- A mirror part of the Guy de Rothchild Collection in Paris, illustrated in Jean Bernard Naudin, Visite Privess, Hôtels particuliers de Paris, Paris, 1999, p.23.

- A mirror in the Monastry of Guadelupe, Spain, see Serge Roche, Les Miroirs, Paris, 1956, figs. 249-252, reproduced here in fig. 2.

A similar, though less important example, from Cliff Castel, Yorkshire, was sold at Christie's London, 4th June 1992, lot 168. For other slightly different examples, employing coloured glass instead of rock crystal, see Christie's London, 14 december 1995, lot 49; Sotheby's New York, 19 November 1993, lot 6 and Sotheby's Mentmore Sale, 1977, lot 937.

The combination of the delicately chased metal-work with the cut-glass gives a jewel-like effect which must have looked magnificent in reflected candlelight.