Renwil has been creating exclusive art for over 45 years. The design studio, based in Montreal, commissions exclusive art from a
gifted team of in-house artists, directed by industry veteran Patrick St. Germain. Constantly working with new materials to create original works of art, every original design is uniquely crafted by hand and is exclusive to Renwil.
Sunburst Mirrors
The sunburst mirror design is said to have its roots in the halos surrounding figures in medieval religious art. During the 17th century, the Catholic church began using elaborate monstrances, decorative stands used to display the communion wafer, with radiating gilded rays.
Monstrance (Source of image www.holyart.com )
The sunburst design was famously incorporated above the altar at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Alter at St. Peter's Basilica
These design elements influenced prominent architects of the day including Louis Le Vau and Jules Hardouin Mansart who had an impact on Louis XIV, the Sun King of 17th century France, who decorated his palatial country chateau Versailles with sunburst-themed architectural elements. The Royal Palace of Versailles is located in the Ile de France region just 19 kms (12 miles) from the centre of Paris was more lavish than any of the noble palaces in Europe and is a great example of French Baroque architecture for secular buildings.
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Louis VIV, the Sun King.
The main gate incorporates the sunburst design element The main 17th-century Gate of Honour at Versailles is one of the signature design elements of Versailles. The wrought iron gates are adorned with gold leaf, fleur-de-lis, crowns, cornucopias and an Apollo sun mask, Louis XIV’s personal emblem.
Gate of Honour at Versailles
The sunburst mirror evolved from this Sun King emblem where a small circular mirror became the focal point in living rooms and dining rooms. Clusters of sunburst mirrors is an attractive option.
In our home we purchased a Renwil sunburst mirror and hung it in our living room. It is a focal point in the room. In the morning light it comes alive with shininh reflective light that brightens the room.
Several sunburst mirror designs that are currently available on TrendingHomeDecor.ca are shown below.
Como Sunburst Mirror
Dios Sunburst Mirror
Celeste Sunburst Mirror
Arizona Sunburst Mirror
