Mid-Victorian Carved Giltwood Oval Overmantel Mirror by C. Nosotti, c.1855–1875

An impressive and elaborately carved mid-Victorian giltwood oval overmantel mirror by C. Nosotti of London, dating to circa 1855–1875. The mirror retains its original maker’s plaque to the reverse, inscribed “C. Nosotti / Carver & Gilder / Upholsterer & Cabinet Maker / 398 & 399 Oxford St.”, together with the stock or reference number 04633.

The large oval mirror plate is enclosed within a richly carved giltwood frame. The inner edge is formed by a continuous series of small scalloped arches, while the outer border is decorated with finely carved foliate ornament.

The frame is surmounted by an elaborate pierced cresting depicting two doves amongst flowering branches, scrolling foliage and ribbons. The doves traditionally symbolise love, fidelity, peace and harmony.

To either side are small projecting platforms with red-covered tops and gilt moulded edges, supported on carved scrolling brackets. Slender curved supports descend beneath them, decorated with repeating carved ornament and terminating in acanthus leaves and scrolling foliage.

The whole is united by a long moulded giltwood base, centred beneath the oval mirror by a carved foliate ornament.

Maker’s Mark & Dating

The reverse retains the original C. Nosotti plaque and stock number 04633. The address recorded on the plaque, 398 & 399 Oxford Street, London, is particularly useful in dating the mirror. Charles F. Nosotti is documented at this address from 1854 into the later 19th century, and comparable labelled Nosotti mirrors and girandoles from the same address are known from the mid-Victorian period. Combined with the style and construction of the present mirror, this supports a date of circa 1855–1875.

About C. Nosotti

Charles Nosotti & Co. was a prominent London firm of carvers, gilders, looking-glass manufacturers, cabinetmakers, upholsterers and interior decorators active during the 19th century.

The business was founded by Charles Andrea Nosotti, who was born in Milan circa 1798 and later established himself in London. By the mid-19th century the firm was operating from 398 & 399 Oxford Street, the address recorded on the present mirror.

Nosotti became particularly well known for looking glasses, carved and gilded frames, furniture and interior decoration. The firm exhibited at major 19th-century exhibitions and supplied work to important private and aristocratic clients.

By 1870, the business was listed as carver and gilder by appointment to the late King William IV and to Napoleon III, reflecting the standing it had achieved within the London decorative arts trade.

Nosotti was especially associated with high-quality carved giltwood work, and surviving mirrors and girandoles. Mirrors of this quality, scale and design by C. Nosotti are very unusual and rare to come to market, making this a particularly notable surviving example of the firm’s work.

• Dimensions

   
   

  • Height: 156 cm (61.42 in)

  • Width: 151 cm (59.45 in)

  • Depth: 20 cm (7.87 in)