Exceptional Late 19th-Century Venetian Mirror of Monumental Scale - 78¾" x 46½"

Of monumental presence yet with the airy exuberance of Rococo design, this exceptional late 19th-century Venetian mirror from Murano is a tour de force of blown and engraved glass. The rectangular beveled center plate is framed by tiered mirrored borders acid-etched with scrolling foliage, all enclosed by undulating corners and a soaring cartouche crest that draws the eye upward with palace-like grandeur. Rope twist glass canes, scalloped floral rosettes, and shell-like appliqués articulate every junction, their shimmering detail lending an opulent yet light and playful feel. Clear and silvered glass dominate the palette, catching the light with cool brilliance. The bottom glass is broken, with two more stable cracks at the left corner and scattered small losses, but these do not detract from the overall powerful and impressive presence of the piece, which remains a bold and captivating statement of Murano craftsmanship.

Venetian mirrors have been celebrated since the 17th century for their luminous, masterfully blown glass and the virtuoso assembly of engraved plates with applied ornament. In the late 19th century, Murano ateliers revived and amplified these Baroque and Rococo cues to suit palatial interiors and the grand hotels flourishing across Europe. The abundant floral rosettes, reeded glass canes, and arabesque etching seen here are hallmarks of that revival, marrying centuries-old glassmaking skill with the era’s taste for opulence and theatrical scale. Pieces of this monumental size remain rare within the Venetian tradition, making this mirror a particularly striking and distinguished survivor.

This monumental mirror makes a commanding statement in an entry hall, above a mantel, or as the focal point over a console in a dining room, where it will amplify both light and height. It pairs effortlessly with giltwood accents, painted boiserie, or richly lacquered walls, and it harmonizes with Rococo Revival, Italianate, and layered eclectic interiors. Flank it with candle sconces to highlight its silhouette, or position it opposite windows to cast soft, shimmering reflections throughout the space.