Large Venetian Strié Mirror with Antiqued Glass No. 1

A large rectangular mirror in a wide flat wood frame painted overall in a custom strie finish of teal and cream, the glaze dragged diagonally and mitered precisely at each corner so the striations change direction at the joins. The inner edge is finished with a narrow silver-leaf slip that separates the painted surround from the mirror plate. The glass is heavily foxed and clouded throughout, the silvering breaking down in the manner of aged Italian mirror glass, darkening toward the edges and producing a depth of reflection that a clear plate cannot replicate.

The wide flat frame with mitered corners and a generous plate follows the form of the Italian overmantel mirror, a type used widely in 18th and 19th century interiors to anchor a chimneypiece or console arrangement. This example dispenses with the carved ornament of the period type in favor of the painted surface, making it equally at home in a traditional or contemporary interior. The strié finish coordinates directly with the commode and jardinière offered separately.

Style: Italian / Decorative
Materials & Techniques: Wood frame, custom strié painted finish, antiqued mirror plate
Period: Later 20th century