A fine and rare Italian carved and polychrome painted mirror Genoese, mid 18th century

the reverse of the frame with some further painted decoration

Sold lot 123, in these Rooms,  15th December 1999

The richness of the carving and the freshness of the colours on pieces produced in Genoa interpreted the gaiety and lightness of the rococo. The corporation of the laccatori used a type of lacquer which was different to that employed in Venice, as it was thinner and devised specifically not to cover the details of the sculpted elements. The distinctive treatment of the rocaille, (pellaccette) and the thin lines making up the decoration of the lacquer is peculiar to Genoese furniture (see a mid 18th century lacquered Genoese console table, sold, lot 185, from the Rossi collection 10th March 1999, Vol. I.).