Antique Gilt Gesso Mirror 1900 - 1920

Name: Fine Gilt Gesso Mirror
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1135761
Price: 850 GBP
Availability: SoldOut

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Secure Transit

Cataloguer’s Note

Sustainable Choice

Frequently Asked Questions

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectWall Mirrors
Period1900 - 1920
StyleBaroque & Rococo Revival
MaterialWood, Gesso, Gold Leaf, Glass
ColourGold
MotifsCarved scrollwork, Acanthus leaf crest, Moulded relief, Gilded finish
SizeH 107 cm (42 in) x W 46 cm (18 in)

FAQs

A gilt gesso mirror features a wooden frame coated in gessoa mixture of plaster of Paris or chalk and sizewhich is then carved, smoothed, and covered in thin sheets of gold leaf. This craft technique reached high levels of elaboration during the Baroque and Rococo periods in Europe.

These pieces typically utilise a softwood or hardwood timber base, such as pine or oak, joined at the corners. Layers of gesso are applied over the wood to build up depth for intricate relief mouldings and scrollwork before the application of metal leaf.

Authentic pieces often display minute shrinkage cracks in the gesso, a subtle patina on the gold leaf, hand-carved detailing rather than uniform cast resin, and older mirror plates with slight oxidation or beveling characteristic of historical manufacturing techniques.

Such a mirror serves as a strong focal point when mounted above a simple modern console table or used to bounce light in a minimalist room, creating a deliberate contrast between historical craftsmanship and clean contemporary lines.

Gilt gesso surfaces are extremely fragile and sensitive to moisture. Dusting should be done gently with a soft, dry ostrich feather duster, avoiding all liquid cleaners, commercial polishes, or abrasive cloths that can strip the gold leaf.

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Fine Gilt Gesso Mirror