An Italian carved walnut frame, Florentine second half 16th Century

the rectangular plate within a frame carved with foliage and standing nude male figures, the fluted base centred by a grotesque mask, the broken scrolled cresting centred by a coat-of-arms flanked by cherubs suspending fruiting swags, now inset with a mirror

Antichitá Salvadori, Florence

A rare piece in overall good original condition. Attractive patina. Old very minor marks and chips commensurate with age and normal usage. Very attractive detail to carving. Evidence of old very minor worm which appears to be no longer active. Old very minor restorations to carving eg to fingers right hand of figure on left. Toes chipped off cherub on left of cresting. Right leg below knee and restoration to front area of head of same figure. Construction cracks at joints in border around plate as visible from the photograph which can be filled or left. Rebacked with later cardboard.
"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."

This magnificent Mannerist mirror takes its inspiration from the designs of the celebrated architects and designers active in the second half of the 16th century. The decorative motifs are reminiscent of the work of the Italian architects such as Bartolomeo Ammanati.

One should also consider the influence of the Florentine Francesco Salviati (1510-1563). He was an important mannerist painter who in addition to antique grotesque motifs favoured nude figures and elaborate compositions and friezes depicting sea creatures.

It is also worthwhile considering an engraving for a mirror conceived in a similar vein, by Crispin de Passe II (1593-4-after 1670), plate 300, illustrated by Simon Jervis, Printed Furniture Designs before 1650, the Furniture History Society, Leeds, 1974, reproduced in fig.1.

See for example a related exhuberantly carved Italian mirror sold Sotheby's, Rome, 18th May 2004, lot 420, sold for 125,000 euros, reproduced here in fig. 2.