A set of three large Italian carved giltwood and engraved glass girandoles Venetian, circa 1750

each with a cartouche-shaped plate, engraved with the figures of Neptune, Mars and Fortuna, with mirrored borders engraved with trails of flowers and foliage, the cresting surmounted by stylised scallopshell, above scrolled cartouches containing vases of flowers, the frames carved with c-scrolls, acanthus and lambrequins; with later glass candle-arms

European Private Collection.

RELATED LITERATURE

Graham Child, World Mirrors: 1650-1900, London, Sotheby’s Publications, 1990, pp. 270-281.

In overall good conserved condition. They all have their original engraved plates which are in good condition and are of an impressive size. Some restorations to the gilding. There a some very minor losses to gilding. Minor repairs to carving and there are construction cracks generally at joints commensurate with age as visible from the catalogue photograph. They are a little dirty and would benefit from a light clean according to taste.
"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."

These impressive girandoles of unusually large scale were part of a larger set of six, certainly made for a sophisticated Baroque setting. These mirrors have mythological Gods - Neptune, Mars and Fortuna - depicted standing on stylised lambrequin brackets and below hanging baldachins. Two other girandoles of this same group are in a private collection and depict Mercury and Flora.

Venice dominated the European glass market for centuries but even in the early 18^th century, when France took a leading role, the Mediterranean city remained a focal point for the production of glass pieces and mirrored glass. Small etched girandoles, produced in pairs or groups of four and six, were a frequent decorative feature in Venetian residences but the pieces here on offer distinguish themselves not only by their remarkable size but also for the complex deep carved gilt-wood frame with outer mirror panels, also etched with floral motifs. The result is a truly accomplished design which would certainly come to life with the light, reflections and shadows created when candle-lit.

The method of etching glass was a particular Venetian feature, although probably originated in North Europe during the 17^th century. It is said to have been discovered accidently by the Nuremberg glass cutter Heinrich Schwanhard when he dropped acid on his looking glasses. Using fluorspar and hydrofluoric acid, this technique produces a frosted effect on the mirror plates, creating pictorial designs with the contrasting tone textures.  The Venetian glass industry had some connections with Bohemian makers through whom the technique might have entered the Republica. The glass maker Giuseppo Briati (1686-1772), who worked in Bohemia and inherited a glassworks at Murano in the early eighteen-century, is frequently mentioned as an important link between these two industries.