Restello mirror frame, early 16th century
Venice
Poplar
Technical Glossary
Venice
Poplar
overall 31 x 28 1/2 in. (78.8 x 72.3 cm)
Robert Lehman Collection, 1975 (1975.1.2104)
A restello is a small dressing-mirror frame in the form of a tabernacle with extensions on which to hang combs and brushes. On this example, hooks for hanging originally were fitted in the holes on either side of the extended base moldings. Befitting the secular purpose of the frame, the ornament is arranged less formally than on a tabernacle frame. Restelli are now relatively rare.
