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Renaissance Revival ‘Arnolfini’ Sunburst Convex Banker’s Mirror, Spain, c. 1950

$2,723.91
£2,000
€2,343.75
CA$3,818.24
A$4,206.81
CHF 2,177.70
MX$50,651.13
NOK 27,574.97
SEK 25,904.94
DKK 17,500.59

About the Item

A magnificent and very elegant black and gold mid century ‘Arnolfini’ style sunburst witch’s mirror in the Renaissance Revival style with a hand carved wood frame and circular gilt emblems, made in Spain c. 1950. This mirror is very striking and has wonderful presence. The convex mirror plate is in beautiful condition. The hand carved wooden frame is crafted in a scalloped design so that it hangs proud of the wall and extends forward in sunburst fashion. It is embedded with ornate Renaissance-style circular gilt motifs, the gold making a beautiful contrast with the black frame. The design as a whole is heavily reminiscent of the mirror in Van Eyck’s ‘Arnolfini Portrait’ from 1434 – the convex plate, the shape of the mirror, and the distribution of the gilt motifs are identical to the Arnolfini mirror. Convex mirrors are also known as "banker's mirrors", and this is only one of numerous names for them. They are also known as butler's mirrors, witch's eye mirrors, dome mirrors, diverging mirrors, or fish-eye mirrors. They have also been known bullseye mirrors, and as Flemish mirrors thanks in particular to Van Eyck’s Arnolfini portrait where one of these mirrors famously appears in the background. The curved mirror surface has an interesting history: convex mirrors were used by bankers, goldsmiths, and moneylenders to monitor a room or area at a glance. These mirrors provided a wide, distorted field of view, allowing the user to observe more than a traditional flat mirror and to keep an eye on customers or activity without turning away from their work. The term ‘witch’s eye’ or ‘sorcerer’s eye’ mirror was another term for this design, as their curved form was believed to ward off bad luck, often placed near to windows to create interesting effects with the incoming daylight. This is a highly decorative and elegant piece with wonderful presence and a great sense of Renaissance Revival style.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 1.97 in (5 cm)Diameter: 17.41 in (44.2 cm)
  • Style:
    Renaissance Revival (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1950
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. A couple of very small knocks to the frame. Very good condition otherwise.
  • Seller Location:
    London, GB
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: CCL2751stDibs: LU9676246977852

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