A Pretty Late 19thC Carved Pine Wall Mirror

Origin: Continental
Period: Late Nineteenth Century
Provenance: Unknown
Date: c.1880-1900
Height: 35 inches
Width: 12 inches

The well-carved wooden mirror backed wall shelf having an arched top with eagle-surmounted decoration amongst carved flower heads above two mirror panels with shelves to each, one having a carved shell leaf support, the other with a winged putto mask below, the edges made up of floral ribbon twists, survives from late nineteenth century Europe in the Black Forest style.

The whole is in super order with only some minor losses and chips to report, and some discolouration to the original plate glass, which only serves as a satisfying nod to the items age.

This mirror has a nice juxtaposition of the Black Forest style, and of a more Italian or French Empire style. Black Forest carvings, which include elaborately crafted bears, human figurines and furniture, do not actually come from the Black Forest region of Germany, but rather from the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. These carvings date back to the 19th century and were thought to have originated in Germany when they first began to appear in the United States. Black Forest carvings are widely considered to be the work of one family, the Trauffers, who did not sign their work but employed a style that collectors and historians can use for identification.

Try with candles or figurines for triumphant decorative effect.