Carved And Gilded Wooden Mantelpiece – Northern Italy, Late 17th / Early 18th Century

An important wooden mantelpiece, finely carved and gilded with gold leaf, made in northern Italy between the late 17th and early 18th centuries.The piece, with its striking decorative presence, still retains the style and richness of 17th-century carving, while at the same time anticipating certain elements characteristic of the early 18th century. The frame features a distinctive architectural silhouette with a large arched central element flanked by two straight sections. The side panels are richly decorated with openwork carvings featuring large volutes, plant motifs, and floral elements, while the interior is adorned with elegant vertical garlands of leaves, flowers, and fruits. Molding and ornamental motifs complete the composition. Particularly pleasing is the gold leaf gilding, which retains the natural variations in tone, signs of wear, and the patina that have developed over time. The mirror panel consists of three distinct elements, in keeping with the traditional layout of the period. The mirrors are not original: they were replaced at a later date with antiqued glass, though the original division of the mirror panel was retained. The mantelpiece shows signs of restoration, small losses, some limited flaking of the surface preparation, and normal signs of aging. It is missing its original back panel. At the top, the original mounting for a decorative element of the cornice—now missing—is visible. The small areas of loss and damage present can, upon request, be addressed through conservation work in our workshops.Although it has some missing pieces and restorations due to the passage of time, the mantelpiece retains a particularly elegant and unusual silhouette, as well as a strong decorative character, enhanced by the quality and richness of the original carving.A particularly striking piece, suitable for placement atop a console table or a fireplace, but also appealing as a standalone element within a contemporary setting.Period: late 17th – early 18th centuryOrigin: Northern ItalyMaterials: carved wood gilded with gold leaf; antique-style mirrors from a later periodDimensions: width 155 cm × height 113 cmFor further information or additional photographs, please do not hesitate to contact us. Shipping available worldwide.