Pair Of Horns Of Plenty. Carved And Gilded Wood. 18th Century.

Pair of cornucopias. Carved and gilded wood and porcelain. 18th century. Pair of cornucopias with mirrors, practically identical (except for the details on the frame leaves), made of carved and gilded wood. Inside, the main mirror has moldings that outline curves and straight areas, volutes, and other elements. The elaborate decoration of the wall mirrors begins with grotesques in the lower part, from which emerge plant elements that extend, accompanied by draperies, upwards on the sides, with openwork details. Above, the upper parts present two circular spaces, flanked by perched birds with partially spread wings, and surrounded by elaborate frames that, like the rest of the pieces, feature architectural elements (volutes, simple oval mirrors, etc.), plant elements, and shapes reminiscent of Rococo rocailles. The examples clearly belong to the Rococo style, even if we take into account the slight asymmetry of the decorative motifs and the slight difference between the two examples. It is possible to find similarities in the design of these cornucopias with various engravings and works by Matthias Lock (London, c. 1710-c. 1765). Compare with the engravings in the work "A New Book of Ornaments with Twelve Leaves Consisting of Chimneys, Sconces, Tables, Spandle Panels, Spring Clock Cases, Stands, a Chandelier and Girandole, etc. (Henry Copland and Matthias Lock; London, 1752), with examples in the Metropolitan Museum, New York, drawings in the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, etc. Matthias Lock was the first to publish Rococo designs in England, and is also considered the first to master the Rococo style and include it in his works and designs. Little is known of his life: he was a follower of Thomas Chippendale and Adams, he may have worked with Henry Copeland, and his work ranged from the most elaborate Rococo to the most harmonious Classicism. Size: 100x68x12 cms