A PAIR OF NEOCLASSICAL BLUE AND GILT DECORATED MIRRORS

June 10 2009, 10:44am

Probably Milan. Circa 1770. Based on the evidence of a number of published pieces, it seems likely that this pair of blue-painted and gilt mirrors is of Milanese origin and date from the last quarter of the 18th century. The mirrors illustrate the shift toward neoclassicism in late 18th century decor in their rectilinear, almost architectural, form. Rococo frivolity is counteracted by straight lines, restrained carving, and a symmetrical scrolling acanthus motif in line with contemporary reflection on classical antiquity. The blue and gilt coloring of the mirrors can be found on Milanese examples of the period, and similar patterns are found in the interior decoration of princely residences of the Lombardy region, including a Milanese mirror, circa 1780, in the Palazzo Reale, and the wall and door paintings of the Palazzo Ducale di Mantova, circa 1779-80.