Antique French Painted Mirror 19th Century

Name: A Stunning Large Antique French 19th Century Carved Wood & Gesso Arched Top Painted Mirror.
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA837459
Price: 1495 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectWall Mirrors
Period19th century
StyleFrench Chateau
MaterialCarved Wood, Gesso, Glass, Paint
ColourOff-White
MotifsShell cresting, beaded moulding, arched top, scrolling foliage
SizeH 187 cm (74 in) x W 112 cm (44 in) x D 5 cm (2 in)

This large wall mirror originates from nineteenth-century France and adopts a French Chateau style. The piece comprises a carved wood and gesso frame finished in an off-white paint, enclosing a mirrored glass plate. An ornate crest surmounts the arched top, decorated with a central shell carving surrounded by scrolling foliage, while the inner border incorporates a continuous beaded moulding. Measuring 187 cm high, 112 cm wide and 5 cm deep, the heavy scale of the frame allows it to function either wall-mounted above a mantelpiece or positioned freestanding on the floor. The painted surface displays visible signs of age and weathering, creating a rustic patina suitable for living rooms, hallways or bedrooms in a traditional interior setting.

FAQs

French arched mirrors featuring carved gesso crestings gained widespread popularity during the 19th century, drawing design influence from Louis XV Rococo and Louis XVI Neoclassical traditions. These mirrors were traditionally positioned above fireplace mantels or between tall windows to maximise light reflection within formal salon spaces.

Authentic 19th-century French mirrors were constructed using pine or oak sub-frames covered with layers of gessoa mixture of plaster and glue binderto allow for delicate hand-carved detailing. The glass was traditionally mercury-silvered or early plate glass, set into frames decorated with beaded moulding, scrollwork, and central shell crestings.

Original 19th-century examples typically feature hand-carved wooden or moulded gesso detailing showing natural age-related cracking, subtle shrinkage lines, and hand-cut timber backing boards secured with forged nails. Authentic glass from this period often exhibits light foxing, minor desilvering, or slight visual distortion when viewed from an angle.

A large painted arched mirror works effectively as a focal point when placed above a chimney breast, positioned atop a console table, or left leaning against a plain wall in an entryway. The muted painted finish creates contrast against contemporary painted walls while pairing harmoniously with both modern and period furnishings.

Clean the painted gesso frame using only a soft, dry feather duster or microfiber cloth to avoid moisture damaging the water-soluble gesso beneath. Clean the mirror glass using a lightly dampened cloth with glass cleaner applied directly to the fabric rather than sprayed onto the glass to prevent liquid seeping behind the frame border.

Cleall Antiques

A Stunning Large Antique French 19th Century Carved Wood & Gesso Arched Top Painted Mirror.

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