Rococo Girandole Mirror with Four Foliate Girandoles

• Rococo - A stylistic development covering the period from about 1730 to 1770, during the reign of Louis XV in France. The rococo style falls between the rather overbearing manner of the Baroque and the formal elegance of Neoclassicism. The Rococo style reached its full maturity in France, though many of its features were used by English furniture makers. The style is marked by asymmetrical forms, especially pierced and intricate scroll work as in mirror frames, chair backs etc., and the use of shells and floral motifs. The term derives from the French 'rocaille', meaning rock work, as in gardens and fountains. There was a major Rococo revival in the mid-19th century and indeed much of what is now considered to be typically Victorian furniture is influenced by the Rococo. It is essentially feminine in feeling, and for this reason, perhaps, was regarded as rather frivolous by its successors.
• Foliate - Decorated with leaves or leaf-like forms.
• Girandole - An ornate candle sconce, usually with several lights and combined with an ornate mirror to reflect the light, made to be attached to the wall. Sometimes also used to refer to a mirror with sconces.
  
  They reached their height of their popularity in England and France in the second half of the 18th century,
• Girandole -  A girandole is a type of candle holder or candelabra that features several branches or arms for holding candles. It is often used as a decorative piece and can range in design from simple and functional to highly ornate and elaborate. Girandoles can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, glass, ceramic and crystal, and can be found in a range of sizes, from tabletop models to large floor-standing pieces, as well as sidelights on wall mirrors and accessories in a clock set.

This item has been included into following indexes:

• mirrors, wall, period, age or style
  • French 642
  • with candle holders (girandole) 45