A fine pair of Italian gilt and silvered-wood mirrors. Venice, second quarter 18th century. Photo: Courtesy Sotheby's

the rectangular mirror plate within molded leaf-carved borders and decorated all around with scrollwork, acanthus leaves and shell motifs, one inscribed on the back Sig Alessandro Guglielmo ... Giangala. 148.5 cm; 104 cm. Estimate 40,000—60,000 USD

EXHIBITED: International Fine Art and Antique Dealers Show, October 19-25, 2007

Winter Antiques Show, January 18-27, 2008, New York

NOTE: Comparable examples of mirrors made in Venice towards the middle of the 18th century incorporate similar molded inner borders and exuberant C- and S-scrolls to the top and side borders, further decoration includes shell and wave motifs, scrolling foliage and flowers; see, G. Mariacher, Specchiere Italiane, Milan, 1963, pls. 95 - 106.

Sotheby's. The Foster-Gwin Collection. 24 Oct 08. New York - www.sothebys.com