18th Century Italian Apothecary Tabernacle Mirror - Caduceus of Mercury with Cornucopia

Architectural form with arched pediment containing a central Caduceus of Mercury (the winged staff of Hermes) flanked by twin cornucopias of abundance - the classic symbol of the pharmacist / apothecary. The arch is decorated with eight-pointed stars. The frame is richly carved with lion masks, fruit garlands, classical faces and foliate scrollwork. Retains its magnificent original distressed decoration: layers of water-gilding, original pale blue-green paint, and white gesso with heavy timeworn patina and losses that create the perfect Vervoordt wabi-sabi aesthetic. The original mercury mirror plate is present with light foxing and age.