Mirror Frame With Engraved Dutch Print Depicting Duke Of Mantua Coat Of Arms.

We kindly suggest that you read the entire description, as with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. 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 Dukes of Mantua precisely that of Duke Vincenzo I Gonzaga; the coat of arms of the Gonzaga family typically consisted of a shield divided into quarters, with various symbols and charges representing the family's lineage and achievements. Although the specific details of the coat of arms may vary, it commonly featured elements such as the eagle, often shown in various shapes, colors, and positions. Beneath the shield is the motto "Domine Probasti," which is the beginning of the phrase "Domine, probasti me et cognovisti me," derived from the Latin Vulgate version of Psalm 138 of the Bible; This motto was associated with the noble lineage of the Gonzaga and reflects the religious and spiritual values that were important to the family. Vincenzo I Gonzaga was known for his lavish patronage of artists and musicians, and his court in Mantua became a thriving center of Renaissance culture. He commissioned works from renowned artists such as Peter Paul Rubens and Claudio Monteverdi, who created some of their most famous works under his patronage. In addition, Vincenzo I Gonzaga was known for his military and diplomatic efforts as he sought to strengthen Mantua's position in the Italian political landscape. He made significant efforts to fortify the city's defenses and expand its territories, contributing to the stability and growth of Mantua during his reign. Overall, Vincenzo I Gonzaga's patronage of the arts and his efforts to strengthen Mantua's political and military position played a crucial role in the city's cultural and historical legacy. 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.