Gilt Arched Overmantel Mirror 19th Century

Name: Victorian Gilt Arch Top Overmantle Mirror
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1047782
Price: 1750 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Cataloguer’s Note

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectOvermantel Mirror
Period19th century
StyleVictorian
MaterialGiltwood, Gesso, Glass
ColourGold
MotifsArched top, Beaded moulding, Scroll feet, Gilded finish
SizeH 118 cm (46 in) x W 117 cm (46 in) x D 8 cm (3 in)

This Victorian overmantle mirror dates to 1860 and provides a functional architectural feature for a traditional interior. The piece is constructed from giltwood, gesso, and glass, presenting a bright gold finish across the entire frame. The upper section displays an arched top, bordered by beaded relief moulding that follows the curve of the glass plate. The lower corners terminate in decorative scrollwork supports, grounding the vertical structure against a surface. Patches of silver deterioration are visible on the mercury mirror plate, showing natural ageing of the reflective surface. Measuring 118 cm high, 117 cm wide, and 8 cm deep, the unit fits directly above a fireplace mantel in a living room or reception space.

FAQs

Designed to sit directly above the fireplace mantelpiece, the overmantel mirror became a focal architectural feature in 19th-century drawing rooms, constructed to reflect light from candles and gas lamps into the centre of the room.

Dust giltwood surfaces gently with a dry, soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth, avoiding water or chemical sprays that dissolve water-gilded finishes or damage delicate gesso detail.

Placing an arched mirror above a simple fireplace or console table creates verticality and contrast against contemporary wall colours while maintaining formal balance in living or dining spaces.

Authentic period examples often display hand-cut timber backboards, light surface cracking in the gesso, gentle wear revealing the reddish clay bole beneath the gilding, and original silvering foxing on the glass.

Frames from this period were typically constructed from carved wood coated in plaster or gesso to create ornate surface detail, which was then finished with genuine gold leaf application over a coloured bole base.

Lorna Byskou

Victorian Gilt Arch Top Overmantle Mirror

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