Grand 19th Century Venetian Murano Bevelled Glass Wall Mirror

A Wonderful and Imposing Venetian Murano Etched Glass Mirror of Grand Proportions and Baroque Design.

Italy Venice-Murano circa 1850.

Outstanding quality and rare to find of this scale at 5ft 4 inches . The mirrored crest formed of double scrolls over a bevelled oblong plate enclosed by boarder glasses having reverse etched flower filled lozenges within diaper-filled panels, having shaped and bevelled corner clasps.

This mirror looks to have been commission made and would have adorned an opulent European castles or estate.

About Venetian and Murano Glass

Italian glassware mostly comes from the island Murano in Venice and is famed for its quality and skillful manufacture, using techniques that were originally developed in the 13th century and are still jealously guarded today.

In 1291 all glassmakers living in Venice were ordered to move to Murano for the theory that glass factories often caught fire and the building in over populated Venice where constructed of timber.

It’s worth noting that not all historians believe the theory that the glass artisans were relocated to protect them from setting fire to Venice. Many believe the true motive for this law was to isolate them so they wouldn’t be able to disclose trade secrets.

Not only were the artisans banished to Murano, but another law passed in 1295 that further forbade the glassmakers from even leaving the island. In spite of this, they were treated as the island’s most prominent citizens and enjoyed a heightened social status and lifestyle. Allowed to wear swords, they were protected from prosecution by the Venetian state, did not work during summers, and their daughters were married into Venice’s most affluent families.

In 1687 three Murano glassmakers were bribed and brought secretly to France where they exposed the Venetian's glass mirror making secrets. The mirror making monopoly was then broken. The French went on to improve upon those techniques and soon invented a new method for casting glass in larger sheets to form a reflective surface.

This new technique, though difficult and dangerous, allowed for much larger sheets of flat glass, and ushered in a new age of decorating with mirrors. Just a few years after this discovery, work began on the famed Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles. This magnificent room featured 306 massive mirrors...a feat never seen before in the history of mankind! Because of these glass surface mirrors, this room became the most famous interior in the world.

Dimensions

Width 42 1/2 inches - 108cm

Height 64 inches - 163cm

Depth 4 inches - 10cm

Loveday Antiques is a family run business originally established since 1969 in London.

Now in its second generation, Loveday Antiques specialises in an eclectic mix of 18th to 20th Century European furniture and works of art, with a strong emphasis on quality, uniqueness and colour.

As proud members of BADA & LAPADA, the largest association for professional art and antique dealers in the United Kingdom and members of CINOA, the worldwide association for antique dealers you can buy from us with 100% confidence and reassurance as we are committed to upholding and abiding by the strict standards of each association.

Our clients can rest assured that each item is as described and photographed.

All Items are sold with 100% satisfaction 14 day money back guarantee, return delivery will be charged for.

We deliver within the UK for usually between £60-£80 and ship worldwide with professional bespoke crating via air to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

Delivery within the mainland UK will usually be with 7 to 14 days but please allow up to 28 days. We also ship worldwide with a professional bespoke crating service and large International couriers via air and sea to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

GOODS

All items listed are in excellent condition having been restored using traditional methods by experienced cabinet makers and polishers keeping the original colour and patina wherever possible.

Please bear in mind you may find the usual markings with antique furniture that are commensurate with age which all add to beauty and uniqueness of the item.

VIEWINGS

We have a reputation for being long established antique dealers in London having had showrooms concurrently running in Islington, Chelsea and Ascot. We have relocated our new showroom, due to London overheads, easily reached between A1 or A10 to just outside of Hertford, Hertfordshire.

We will happily arrange for clients to be collected travelling via train. Local stations being Hertford North, Stevenage and Ware, all being a 10 minute drive from us.

Please contact us for location and appointments.

Telephone: 01438 869 819

Payments accepted are Bank Transfer, Cheque, Major Credit Cards or Cash.

Opening Times

Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm Please email or call beforehand to make an appointment.

If outside of these times again please call to make an appointment

We have more than 40 years experience in supplying Antique furniture to the trade, public and interior designers from all parts of the world so please buy with confidence as we have passed the test of time.