An Italian carved giltwood mirror, probably Venetian second quarter 18th century

of rectangular form, the cresting surmounted by a plumed helmet above a bracket flanked by military trophies above a bevelled plate, the moulded frame carved with fruits, with dragons at the side above a tasselled lambrequin, the border carved with seashells, the apron centred by a boat, the sail with an unidentifiable coat-of-arms, the bracket feet carved with a grotesque mask at the angles

In overall good conserved condition. The piece is a little dirty and would benefit from a light clean according to taste. There were possibly originally finials on the cresting at the corners. Old very minor marks and chips to carving and gilding. The gilding has been touched up in the past with gilt-paint in very minor areas. Attractive detail to carving. The gilding has suffered a little more on the apron as visible from the catalogue photograph but this can easily be touched up. Some of the carving has been strengthened on the reverse and the reverse of the right-side has been rebacked. The helmet has been restored on the cresting and there are old minor restorations to the carving.
"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."

Comparative Literature:
G. Morazzoni, Le cornici italiane, Vol. I, Le cornici veneziane, Ed. Alfieri, Milano.
E. Baccheschi, Mobili laccati del settecento veneziano, Vol. II, Milano, 1966, page 60.

Carved martial trophies can be found on a number of recorded Venetian mirrors (see E. Baccheschi, op. cit.).

A Venetian mirror on a much larger scale with a similar cresting carved with plumed helmets, lambrequins and military trophies was sold in these Rooms, lot 9, 14th June 2000.