Sold: Large French Gilt Mirror 19th Century

Name: Large French Gilt Mirror
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA834837
Price: 995 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

ObjectWall Mirrors
Period19th century
StyleFrench Empire
MaterialGiltwood, Gesso, Glass
ColourGold
MotifsEagle crest, Urn finials, Beaded moulding, Floral garlands

This large French Empire wall mirror dates from 1850 and is formed from giltwood and gesso with a reflective glass plate. The rectangular frame displays gilded surfaces finished in a bright gold colour, embellished with beaded moulding around the inner edge and floral garlands draped across the top rail. A sculptural eagle crest sits centrally on the pediment, flanked by decorative urn finials at each top corner. Measuring 191 cm high and 91 cm wide, the piece is designed for placement in a formal reception room, hallway, or above the mantel in a residence. The structure stands in very good overall condition, showing clean gilding and secure joints throughout the decorative cresting and framing.

FAQs

French Neoclassical gilt mirrors are characterised by symmetrical structures inspired by classical antiquity. Common design elements include carved cresting featuring urns, eagles, laurel leaves, and beaded frame mouldings coated in gold leaf.

Frames were typically constructed from carved pine or oak, covered with layers of plaster gesso, and finished using water-gilding or oil-gilding with genuine gold leaf. The mirror plates were historically made of silvered or mercury glass.

Authentic pieces generally display natural oxidisation and mild foxing on the glass plate, alongside wear to the gilding where the red or grey clay bole underlayer shows through. The backboards should consist of aged wooden planks rather than modern plywood or MDF.

Large gilt mirrors serve as focal points when mounted above a fireplace mantelpiece, positioned atop a dining room sideboard, or anchored at the end of a hallway to bounce natural light across the room.

Dust the gilded frame gently using a soft, dry camel-hair brush, avoiding water or chemical sprays which can dissolve water-gilded gesso. Clean the mirror glass carefully with a slightly dampened cloth, ensuring moisture does not touch the gilding.

Fernyhough Antiques Ltd

Large French Gilt Mirror