BIRD MIRROR France, Rhone Valley, 18th century Gilded... Lot 47

BIRD MIRROR France, Rhone Valley, 18th century Gilded wood; mercury (borders) and silver (center) mirrors Gilded frame; mirrors replaced in center H. 162 x W. 92 cm PROVENANCE Collection Mme P. This large gilded wood overmantel retains its period mercury mirrors on the borders. The frame is compartmentalized with richly molded and foliated volutes and is topped by a flowered hat decorated at its base with two curious birds. These birds with large pointed ears evoke the hybrid and undulating dragons that populate Toro's ornamental repertoires (fig. 1).