Sold: 18th Century French Gilt Mirror - Foxed Mercury Glass

Name: 18th Century French Gilt Mirror - Foxed Mercury Glass
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1231931
Price: 890 GBP
Availability: SoldOut

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Cataloguer’s Note

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectMirrors
Period18th century
StyleFrench Neoclassical
MaterialGiltwood, Mercury Glass, Gold Leaf
ColourGold
MotifsRosette corner blocks, Beaded moulding, Foxed glass plate, Rectangular gilt frame
SizeH 125 cm (49 in) x W 100 cm (39 in)

This 18th century French Neoclassical mirror is executed in gold leaf, gesso, and mercury glass. The rectangular frame has a warm gold colour with beaded moulding running along the borders, complemented by carved rosette corner blocks. The original glass plate displays heavy foxing throughout, showing significant signs of age and weathering, and sits within a frame that retains its original backboards and hanging wire. The piece measures 125 cm high and 100 cm wide, with a substantial presence suited for placement above the mantel in a living room, dining room, or hallway. It integrates naturally into traditional or period interior settings as a striking decorative wall accent.

FAQs

French gilt mirrors of the eighteenth century are characterized by hand-carved wooden frames finished with water gilding or oil gilding using genuine gold leaf. They typically reflect classical symmetry, fine moulding, and decorative elements characteristic of the Louis XV or Louis XVI periods.

The frames were typically sculpted from carved pine or lime wood, coated with gesso, and layered with gold leaf over a coloured bole base. The reflective plates were made using mercury glass, created by applying a tin-mercury amalgam to flat glass.

Authentic mercury glass features characteristic silvering degradation, dark oxidisation spots known as foxing, and a soft, sparkling depth. Original giltwood often demonstrates subtle wear on high points, revealing the reddish-clay bole layer beneath the gold leaf.

A historical gilt mirror can be placed above a modern fireplace mantelpiece or styled atop a contemporary console table to create textural contrast. Mixing patinated antique gilding with clean architectural lines balances formal heritage with minimalist contemporary decor.

Giltwood frames should be dusted gently with a soft, dry camel-hair brush, avoiding liquid cleaners or water which can dissolve the water-gesso backing. Mercury glass should be kept in a stable environment away from excessive humidity to prevent rapid deterioration of the silvering.

French Antique Company

18th Century French Gilt Mirror - Foxed Mercury Glass