Italian Mirror Frame With English Chromolithographic Floral Prints 04

We kindly suggest reading the entire description, as it provides detailed technical and historical information to ensure the authenticity of our items. The frame enclosing the two prints is particularly unique and unusual. It was recently crafted by an experienced master cabinetmaker who has a workshop in one of the most "cool" neighborhoods of Florence: San Frediano, known for its charming and unique artisan workshops where handmade goods are produced. The master craftsman inserted four shiny mirrors on the sides of the flat part of the frame, tilting them outward. He also painted the outer part and the inner edge with gold, creating an overall optical effect that is bright, elegant, and sophisticated. The prints are enclosed within the frame by a refined cream-colored mat with a gold border. The prints are original paper artworks, not pages from a book. They were printed in London between 1900 and 1905 using the "chromolithography" technique (from the Greek chromo meaning color, lithos meaning stone and graphia meaning drawing), a method developed in 1837 that involves layering images of different colors, each engraved on a separate stone. This process allowed for vibrant tones and shades, successfully mimicking the colors of tempera paintings. The prints depict two beautiful and important flowers: on the left, the Clove Carnation, and on the right, flowers, seeds, and leaves of the Yew. The Clove Carnation is known as the carnation. This flower, belonging to the Dianthus genus, is highly prized for its ruffled petals and its spicy fragrance, similar to that of clove, from which its English name derives. The carnation holds various meanings in the language of flowers, depending on its color:
• Red carnation: Represents love, passion, and admiration.
• White carnation: Symbolizes purity, innocence, and loyalty.
• Pink carnation: Is often associated with maternal affection and tender love.
• Yellow carnation: Can signify disappointment or rejection.
• Striped carnation: Symbolizes refusal or disdain.
In general, the carnation is considered a symbol of lasting love and friendship due to its resilience and beauty. The carnation has an ancient history rich in symbolism. In Greek mythology, it is said that the carnation was the flower of Artemis, the goddess of the hunt. According to legend, a young shepherd played a flute during one of her hunts, and she, irritated by the sound, blinded him. Regretting her actions, she cried, and from her tears, carnations sprang up. The carnation also holds a strong religious connection in Christianity. It is said that carnations first bloomed when the Virgin Mary’s tears fell to the ground as she witnessed the crucifixion of her son, Jesus. For this reason, pink carnations are often associated with motherly love and devotion. Throughout history, the carnation has been used as a political and social symbol. For example, during the Carnation Revolution in Portugal in 1974, protesters placed carnations in the barrels of soldiers' guns to symbolize peace and the end of the dictatorship. Thanks to its resilience and ability to bloom again, the carnation has come to symbolize perseverance and enduring love, remaining one of the most symbolic and appreciated flowers worldwide. The Yew (Taxus baccata) is an evergreen plant known for its longevity, red bark, needle-like leaves, and small red fruits (which are technically arils, not berries). All parts of the plant are poisonous except for the aril surrounding the seed, though the seed itself is toxic. In the language of flowers and plants, the yew holds various meanings, most of which are related to its longevity and its mysterious, somber appearance:
• Death and immortality: The yew is associated with death but also with eternal life, as it is a long-living and vigorous tree. In many cultures, it is seen as a symbol of rebirth and immortality due to its ability to live for centuries.
• Protection: Because of its toxic nature, it was once believed that the yew could protect against evil and malevolent spirits.
• Ancient wisdom: Being a tree that can live for thousands of years, the yew is also seen as a symbol of ancient knowledge and wisdom.
The yew has a long history of symbolic and mythological significance, often connected to death and spirituality. It was considered sacred in many ancient cultures. In ancient Greece and Rome, the yew was associated with the underworld and death. It was planted in cemeteries because it was believed to guide the souls of the dead to the afterlife. In Celtic mythology, the yew was regarded as the tree of death and rebirth. The Druids considered the yew to be a sacred tree, and its wood was used in magical rites and rituals connected to death and transformation. The Celts believed the yew acted as a bridge between the world of the living and the world of the dead. In Norse mythology, the yew was associated with the god of war, Tyr, and with weapons. Ulysses’ bow in Homer’s Odyssey is said to have been made of yew wood, as it is very strong. The yew also has a darker reputation due to its toxicity. In the past, it was used to poison arrows and weapons. Despite this, the tree also symbolizes resurrection and the continuity of life. In many English and Irish churches, yews are planted in cemeteries as a symbol of life after death. Additionally, the yew has been used in traditional medicine, though with great caution due to its toxicity. More recently, certain compounds extracted from the yew have been used to develop cancer-fighting drugs, such as taxol. With its aura of mystery, the yew represents a combination of death and rebirth, protection, and immortality, making it one of the most symbolic and spiritually significant trees in human history. Our frame, featuring these two flowers, is perfect for decorating any room in the house, both for the symbolism behind the prints and for the splash of color they provide. Dimensions: Width 49 cm, Height 35 cm, Depth 3 cm. Each print measures 18x12 cm. For all our shipments, we use special packaging materials (custom-made wooden crates, polystyrene, etc.) to ensure maximum protection and safety of the items.

Condition report:

Good. Wear consistent with age and use. The frame and print are in good condition.