18th Century Painted Rococo Mirror

An outstanding and rare Italian 18th century Rococo mirror expertly hand carved from oak panels.

The top and sides of the mirror are surround by a collection of shells, possibly oysters and blooming roses that surround a circular altar plaque to the centre.

The plague features a painted monogram with slightly raised lettering that bears the initials ‘AMR’ which stands for Ave Maria Regina and translates to ‘Hail Mary, Hail Queen’.

Beneath a pair of beautifully carved winged putti adorn the top section of the mirror plate.

The bottom of the frame features a smaller collection of oyster shells and roses with another expertly carved charming winged putti carved with gilding.

The mercury plate has light foxing but remains in good condition for its age surrounded by a gently reeded frame.

The paintwork to the mirror frame work is vivid but muted in the way the colours have faded over the past two hundred and fifty years. However the gold paint gilding is good with just the right amount of wear, colour and patina.

A truly exceptional mirror in very good condition and the best we are ever likely to own.

Italian, circa 1760.