A Louis XV Provençal Mirror Beaucaire

Provençal wall mirror in sculpted and gilded burnished and amati linden wood, in the shape of a polylobed rectangle quadrilateral, surmounted by a pediment. The main part consists of a rectangular glass set in a frame of openwork reserves; laterally in polylobed braces and horizontally long in double cartouches. The sides are adorned with voluble windings festooned with vine leaves and bunches of grapes topped with acanthus leaves. The horizontal ones are adorned with two symmetrical cartouches. The fixed ovoid-shaped pediment is traversed on the periphery by multiple windings and brackets, in the middle part, a fine and high basket with a wide neck, from which emerge abundant figs and luxuriant fig leaves, sets the scene. This same basket is embellished with a fine repair of chevrons. The general visual is optimized in depth by thin mirrors slipped under each of the reserves as well as the pediment in order to accentuate the perspective. The main mirror consists of a flat glass plate lined with tin and lead immersed in a bath of mercury, as are all the fine mirrors. The whole rests on two small feet decorated with natural treated foliage, fixed to the base of the floor frame. This one in maritime pine marries the buttresses of the reserves and the pediment by encasing the central bottom which doubles the main ice. Work characteristic of the Provencal decorative arts of the second half of the 18th century. Balance, harmony and grace are the most appropriate terms for this elegant pretty mirror called de Beaucaire, which blends the exuberance of the South influenced by an Italianate taste with the technical requirements of the French decorative arts. Excellent condition, beautiful light gilding with red plate. Dimensions: Height 112cm Width 56cm.