A carved giltwood mirror Régence, early 18th century

the arched cresting centred by a stylised scallopshell above a c-scroll cartouche enclosing a flowerhead, the sides carved with Ho Ho birds above a divided plate with female espagnolette masks with feathered head-dresses, the lower section with a peacock on each side, the apron centered by a plinth surmounted by two billing doves, with mirrored borders, the whole carved with flowers, foliage and scallopshells;some minor breaks to mirrored borders;regilt

In overall good conserved condition. A stunning piece with superlative carving and impressive size. There is a leaf section at the top of the cresting now missing which is hardly noticeable. There are some hairline cracks commenserate with age which can be filled or left. there are some old minor restorations for example the tip to the wing of the bird which have been well executed and are hardly noticeable. .
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Comparative Literature:
B. Pons, De Paris à Versailles 1699-1736. Les sculpteurs ornemanistes parisiens et l'art décoratif des bâtiments du roi, Strasbourg, 1983, plates 424 and 425, plate 339, fol. 341.

The composition of this elaborately carved elegant mirror with birds and female busts is typical of the designs of Mathieu Legoupil, illustrated by Bruno Pons, op. cit., plate 424 and 425, fol. 60, 61 and 63, for the Carnet of Mathieu Legoupil, showing designs conceived in a similar vein incorporating dragons,`Oiseux chimériques', (Kunstbibliothek, Berlin). Also see a design for a toilet mirror with female busts at the angles- reproduced in fig. 1. It is also worth considering Pons, op. cit., plate 341, fol. 341 for project in the Nationalmuseum Stockholm, depicting a boiseries incorporating a mirror with a cresting centred by a scallopshell and the sides with espagnolette masks.