Gilt Overmantel Mirror 19th Century | Sellingantiques.co.uk

Name: Large Antique Gilt Overmantle Mirror 161cm Tall
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1229796
Price: 1650 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectOvermantel Mirrors
Period19th century
StyleLouis Philippe
MaterialGiltwood, Gesso, Glass
ColourGold
MotifsArched top frame, Acanthus scroll corner supports, Moulded border
SizeH 161.5 cm (64 in) x W 166.5 cm (66 in)

This large antique overmantel mirror dates from 1870 and follows the Louis Philippe style. The piece is constructed from giltwood, gesso, and glass, presenting a shimmering gold finish with an original gold leaf water gilding. The arched top frame incorporates a smooth moulded border and holds an original mirror plate displaying only very minor foxing. The structure sits on an original ebonised plinth rail, complemented by ornate acanthus scroll corner supports and carved decoration at the base of each foot. The entire assembly measures 161.5 cm high by 166.5 cm wide with a main frame width of 133.5 cm. Positioned in a contemporary home today, this substantial mirror is ideally suited for placement above the mantel in a living room, drawing room, or hallway to enhance natural light and amplify spatial depth. The French Chateau design vibe integrates well with traditional or eclectic interior schemes, bringing a sense of period character to domestic spaces without requiring complex installation beyond secure wall mounting.

FAQs

Arched overmantel mirrors became prominent during the nineteenth century in French and Victorian interiors, designed to sit directly above fireplace mantels to reflect light and expand visual space in formal reception rooms.

These mirrors were traditionally constructed from timber cores coated in layers of plaster gesso, which were carved and covered with gold leaf applied using traditional water gilding techniques over glass mirror plates.

Authentic period pieces often feature timber backboards, evidence of red or grey clay bole beneath worn gold leaf, original glass with slight foxing, and fine crazing in the plaster structure.

Position the mirror centrally above a living room fireplace hearth or rest it directly on top of a large console table to create an architectural focal point in both period and modern settings.

Dust the frame gently using a soft dry brush or microfibre cloth, ensuring no water, liquid cleaning products, or abrasives contact the gold leaf gilding.

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Large Antique Gilt Overmantle Mirror 161cm Tall