An Italian painted and parcel-gilt mirror, Piedmontese, probably Novara late 18th century

of rectangular form with projecting angles applied with an acathus carved boss, the arched c-scroll cresting carved with an egg and dart motif centred by a stylised scallopshell within a bead and reel frame enclosing a rectangular plate, the sides carved with a stylised cornucopia issuing berried laurel leaves and with birds perching on branches; some retouching to painting

In overall good conserved condition.Good colour match with the catalogue photograph. The gilding has also had some refreshment. Some of the painted decoration has worn off on the leaves as visible from the catalogue photograph which can easily be touched up. There are some scattered hairline cracks commensurate with age but these are hardly noticeable. There is a crack in the base of the gilt cornucopia on the left side which is just visible in the photograph which can easily be filled and the gilding touched up. Old minor restorations generally to the leaves and some minor chips generally but these are not too 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:
Roberto Antonetto, Il Mobile Piemontese nel Settecento, Vol. II, Turin, 2010, pp. 198-199.
 
This mirror with laurel leaves not carved in wood but in painted tôle issuing from a cornucopia is highly unusual and quite rare. However, its shape is typical of Piedmontese mirrors of the late 18th century with applied bossed at the angles contained within a recessed square and finely carved foliate motifs depicted in pale pastel colours. The most celebrated exponent of the Piedmontese art of carving was Giuseppe Maria Bonzanigo (1745-1820).

See a related mirror described as possibly Piedmontese, sold Sotheby's, New York, 16th April 2004, lot 154 ($42,000), with a similarly shaped rectangular frame with projecting corners applied with an acanthus carved boss and laurel leaves on the cresting and a bead and reel carved inner frame.