A LOUIS XIV GILTWOOD MIRROR LATE 17TH CENTURY

Bernard Steinitz, Paris

Cresting possibly associated. Mirror plate later and now with some losses to silvering. Wonderful carving to the mirror frame with good wear and rubbing to gilding. Some age cracks consistent with age. Some minor restorations. Old wood worm to reverse of cresting.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Possibly conceived as a picture frame, this elaborately and skillfully carved giltwood frame now holds a mirror plate. The gilder of this frame has used multiple gilding techniques to create unique textures and imitate the ormolu work of contemporary bronziers. The burnished and matte surfaces of this frame interact with the three-dimensional, dynamic carving to create a sense of opulence. While the lavishness of the frame is representative of the Louis XIV style, there are also influences from Dutch and English craftsmen. French craftsmen were knowledgeable of and working with many foreign craftsmen and frame-makers, especially the English and Dutch makers who used pierced carving. During the second half of the seventeenth century, Louis XIV's brother, Philippe duc d'Orléans, was also taking an active interest in the French glass industry. While the present example could have framed a picture, Philippe d'Orléans glass investments allowed for technical advances.  He was a patron of a glass-works in Orleans, which, in 1688, invented a method of casting glass that produced much larger and clearer panels of glass than previously made with the old method of blowing glass.