Embossed metal and gilt bronze mirror, Germany circa 1750

Rare embossed metal mirror with gilt bronze spandrels.
Rectangular model with a curved upper crosspiece and a frame with double molded profiles decorated with small bunches of grapes and pear branches.
The whole features a beautiful rocaille decoration of acanthus leaves in a cockscomb pattern in the corners, topped with gilt bronze rosettes.
The upper part features a large rocaille plume, in the center of which is a gilt bronze acanthus fleuron.

Beautifully preserved; mercury glass, wooden core, and original screws.

German work, mid-18th century, circa 1750.

Dimensions:

Height: 97 cm; Width: 70 cm

For a similar model, see Christie's London sale, March 17, 2022, lot 86 (17,640 GPB)

Our opinion:

The mirror we are presenting is a rare example of the metallurgical expertise of the Holy Roman Empire.
From the Renaissance onwards, Bavarian workshops specialized in ironworking, particularly in Nuremberg and Augsburg, where numerous chests, caskets, and other complicated locks were produced, both for wealthy local clients and for export to all the courts of Europe.
Our mirror is the result of this centuries-old work and demonstrates the adaptation of certain Germanic workshops during the Rococo period, with an exuberant workmanship characteristic of the most beautiful "Rococo" style.
This type of mirror, which is certainly a commissioned work, is extremely rare.