Provençal Mirror, 18th Century
Mercury glass in a rectangular frame of carved and gilded wood. The pediment is richly decorated with a bouquet of roses in a central cartouche. The uprights and lower rail feature a decoration of finely carved vine leaves, acorns and scrolls, and acanthus leaves.
Typical of 18th-century Provençal production, influenced by both Parisian and Italian art.
At the time, this was an expensive and prestigious item, intended for a wealthy clientele. These mirrors were sold particularly at the major fairs of Beaucaire, a strategic town located on the banks of the Rhône, then the main communication route between the Mediterranean and the interior.
France, 18th Century
Dimensions: 110 cm x 76 cm
