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ArtLarge Italian Art Nouveau Mirror in Carved Walnut with Floral Motifs
$16,642.37
£12,386.83
€14,000
CA$23,081.30
A$24,849.12
CHF 13,307.19
MX$299,423.03
NOK 167,899.82
SEK 153,655.45
DKK 106,705.87
About the Item
This imposing Italian Liberty mirror should be read as a true architectural object rather than a simple reflective surface. Conceived in the early decades of the 20th century, it embodies the Art Nouveau ambition to merge structure, ornament, and craftsmanship into a unified whole. The frame, entirely hand-carved in solid walnut, displays a refined balance between sculptural richness and formal discipline, characteristic of high-quality Italian Liberty production.
The vertical composition is articulated by slightly tapered uprights, whose elongated proportions lend the mirror an elegant, almost totemic presence. These uprights are animated by a continuous low-relief vegetal carving that guides the eye upward, reinforcing the sense of vertical rhythm. The carving never overwhelms the structure; instead, it remains integrated into the architectural logic of the frame.
Of particular significance are the carved rosettes positioned along the side uprights. These circular elements act as visual anchors within the composition, punctuating the vertical flow and introducing moments of concentrated ornament. Far from being purely decorative, the rosettes function as structural and symbolic nodes—points of pause and emphasis within the overall rhythm of the frame.
Each rosette is composed of a subtly recessed circular field enclosing a stylized floral motif. The petals radiate outward from a slightly concave center, their edges defined by confident, deeply cut grooves. This radial organization reflects a Liberty-era synthesis of natural inspiration and geometric clarity, where botanical forms are distilled into legible, almost architectural patterns.
The carving of the rosettes reveals multiple layers of workmanship:
-an outer smooth ring, acting as a visual boundary and stabilizing the form;
-a central flower, simplified yet expressive, with evenly spaced petals;
-a slight manual asymmetry, visible upon close inspection, which confirms the hand-carved nature of the work and distinguishes it from industrial production.
The surface patina of the rosettes is particularly rich. Years of use and natural oxidation have deepened the walnut’s tone, creating subtle chromatic variations that enhance the sculptural depth of the carving. These darker, burnished areas contrast gently with the surrounding wood, drawing attention to the rosettes without disrupting the harmony of the whole. The dialogue between the rosettes and the rest of the frame is carefully orchestrated. The floral crest at the top—more fluid and expansive—appears to grow organically from the rigid verticals, while the lower frieze echoes similar vegetal motifs in a more horizontal register. Together, these elements create a continuous ornamental narrative that wraps the mirror in a coherent decorative system.
Within the context of Gianantonio Malacrida’s personal collection, this mirror gains an additional layer of meaning. It reflects the architect’s sensitivity to objects in which ornament is inseparable from structure, and where decorative elements arise from the logic of form rather than being applied superficially. The rosettes, in particular, can be read as precursors to modern design concepts: the idea of the “node,” the modulation of rhythm, and the articulation of space through recurring formal elements.
Whether placed as a focal point in an entrance hall, a salon, or a study, this mirror asserts a strong yet measured presence. Its sculptural frame, the refined handling of the rosettes, and the warmth of the walnut make it equally compelling in historic interiors and in contemporary spaces, where it stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of early 20th-century Italian decorative craftsmanship.
- Dimensions:Height: 88.59 in (225 cm)Width: 51.58 in (131 cm)Depth: 1.97 in (5 cm)
- Style:Art Nouveau (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1910-1919
- Date of Manufacture:1910
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. The mirror is in its original vintage condition and has some imperfections above its rosette due to its age. Everything is original from the period.
- Seller Location:Milano, IT
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU4911248220532
About the Seller
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: milano, Italy
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