Antique French Wall Mirror 19th Century

Name: An Absolutely Stunning Large Antique French 19th Century Carved Wood & Gesso Painted Mirror.
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1070264
Price: 2995 GBP
Availability: InStock

FURTHER BROWSING

Visitors also looked at these ⇣

Antique Very Large Quality Painted Wall Mirror C1920

1920

A Stunning Large Antique French 19th Century Carved Wood Shaped Framed Painted Mirror.

1870

Pair of Painted Carved Wood Mirrors

1920

An Attractive 19thc Painted Fretwork Mirror

19th Century

A Wonderful Large Antique English 19th Century Carved Wood & Gesso Arched Top Painted Mirror.

1870

A Superb Large Antique English 19th Century Carved Oak Wood Painted Detailed Ornate Carved Frame with Original Mirror.

1870

An Exceptional Large Antique French 19th Century Carved Wood Painted Bistro Mirror.

1880

A Spectacular Large Antique French 19th Century Carved Wood Painted Plain Mirror.

1850

Oval Giltwood Mirror

1880

Large French Bistro Mirror

19th Century

Pair of Victorian Gilt Oval Wall Mirrors with Display Brackets

1870

Large 19th Century Fine Quality Antique Overmantle Wall Mirror – Gilt Statement Piece

19th Century

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Secure Transit

Cataloguer’s Note

Sustainable Choice

Frequently Asked Questions

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.

Secure Transit

Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.

The Sustainable Choice

Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectWall Mirrors
Period19th century
StyleFrench Chateau
MaterialCarved Wood, Gesso, Glass
ColourOff-White
MotifsCrested cartouche, Floral garlands, Acanthus scrollwork, Distressed paint finish
SizeH 213 cm (84 in) x W 177 cm (70 in) x D 8 cm (3 in)

This large nineteenth-century French Chateau style wall mirror dates from 1860. It consists of a rectangular carved wood and gesso frame finished in an off-white distressed paint colour, complete with an original distressed mirror plate and backboards. The ornate decoration comprises a prominent crested cartouche at the top, intricate floral garlands across the upper rail, and acanthus scrollwork along the vertical members and scrolling feet. The piece measures 213 cm high, 177 cm wide, and 8 cm deep. In a contemporary home, this mirror serves multiple purposes depending on placement. It hangs securely on a wall or stands directly on the floor, functioning well above a sideboard, in a spacious hallway, or as a focal point in a living room. The proportions suit grand interiors and provide both decorative presence and reflective light.

FAQs

19th-century French mirrors are characterised by detailed moulding work, often featuring Rococo or Neoclassical elements such as scrolled acanthus leaves, central floral crestings, and decorative garlands. Frames were frequently painted in muted soft cream, white, or grey tones to complement period panelling.

These frames were typically constructed using pine or oak timber bases covered with gesso, a mixture of chalk and glue binder. The intricate details were either hand-carved directly into the timber or moulded in gesso before paint or gilding was applied over silvered glass plates.

Authentic pieces exhibit fine age-related cracking known as craquelure within the gesso layer, alongside light oxidisation or dark spotting (foxing) on the original mirrored glass. The backings usually feature original timber boards with traditional iron tacks and hand-saw marks.

A large French mirror can be hung directly above a fireplace mantelpiece or positioned resting against a wall in an entryway or dining room. The muted painted finish creates a soft focal point that bounces natural light across contemporary or traditional interior schemes.

Dust the ornate carved frame regularly using a dry, soft-bristle brush to avoid dislodging fragile gesso details. Avoid applying liquid polish or water directly onto the painted surfaces, and spray glass cleaner onto a soft cloth rather than directly onto the mirror plate.

Cleall Antiques

An Absolutely Stunning Large Antique French 19th Century Carved Wood & Gesso Painted Mirror.

Visitors also looked at these ⇣

Antique Very Large Quality Painted Wall Mirror C1920