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$2,800
A striking and highly sculptural 20th century Italian carved wood mirror, richly ornamented with scrolling acanthus foliage and crowned by an exuberant fan-shaped shell crest. Hand-carved in deep relief, the frame is animated by bold, openwork foliate scrolls that sweep outward from the rectangular mirror plate, creating a dramatic silhouette. The crest features a radiating shell motif with incised detailing and remnants of original polychrome and gilded decoration in muted oxblood reds, soft celadon greens, and warm, time-worn gilt. The surface retains a beautifully aged patina with visible layers of historic paint and gilding, revealing centuries of character. The carving is expressive yet refined — likely Southern Italian, possibly Neapolitan, where such theatrical forms were favored in ecclesiastical and aristocratic interiors. The mirror plate appears later, as expected, and sits within a molded inner frame. The reverse shows traditional plank construction and early iron chain support.
