Mirror Frame With Engraved Dutch Print Depicting Dukes Of Mirandola Coat Of Arms

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The frame that encloses the print is very special and unusual; it was made in recent times by an old master cabinetmaker who has his workshop in the "coolest" neighborhood of Florence: San Frediano, known for the fascinating and unique "workshops" of artisans who produce with their own hands; the Master inserted four shiny mirrors on the sides of the flat part of the frame tilting them outward, while he painted the outer part and the inner thread with gold so as to create in the whole a very bright, elegant and sophisticated optical effect. The print is enclosed within the frame by a fine cream-colored passepartout with gold edging. The print, which is paperwork and not a book page, dating from the mid-17th century, was made in Holland and depicts the coat of arms of the Pico Dukes of Mirandola; the Duchy of Mirandola was a small Italian state located in the Emilia-Romagna region. The capital of the duchy was the city of Mirandola. The Pico family held the title of Dukes of Mirandola and played a prominent role in the political and cultural life of the region. One of the most important figures in the history of the Duchy of Mirandola was Gianfrancesco I Pico della Mirandola. He became the first Duke of Mirandola in 1617. The Pico family continued to rule the Duchy for several generations. In the early 18th century, during the War of the Spanish Succession, the Duchy became a battlefield and was occupied by different forces. In 1710, the Duchy of Mirandola was annexed to the Duchy of Modena, ending its independent existence. The history of the Dukes of Mirandola is an interesting chapter in the larger context of Italian and European history, reflecting the political dynamics and changes that characterized the region during the Renaissance and early modern period. Mirandola is also famous because Giovanni Pico (1463-1494), one of Italy's greatest humanists and philosophers, was born there. During the 17th century, the Dutch were renowned for their innovative and meticulous printing techniques. One of the prominent techniques used during this period was the art of engraving. Engraving is a printing technique in which the artist uses a sharp instrument called a burin to engrave lines directly on a metal plate, usually copper, but sometimes zinc or steel. The artist uses the burin to create precise, clean lines; by varying the pressure and angle of the tool, a variety of textures and shading effects can be achieved. The engraved lines then contained ink, and the plate was used to transfer the image to paper through the printing process, often using a press. Dutch artists such as Rembrandt van Rijn and Albrecht Dürer were famous for their mastery of this technique. The Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century witnessed a significant flowering of this art form, and Dutch prints from this era are famous for their intricate details, rich textures, and skillful use of light and shadow. These prints played a crucial role in the spread of art and ideas throughout Europe, contributing to the wider cultural and artistic exchange of the time. The frame with the print is a unique piece that has considerable historical value and at the same time an inimitable and sought-after piece of furniture. The frame and print are in good condition. Measures width cm.27, height cm.33, depth cm.3, print measures cm.9 x 15. For all our shipments we use special packaging materials (custom-made wooden crates, styrofoam, etc.) for maximum protection and safety of the objects.

Condition report:

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