A putto is a classical depiction of a small child, often winged, used extensively in European art and furniture decoration from the seventeenth century onward. These figures symbolise divine presence or playful classical themes. In decorative items, they appear as sculptural supports on brackets, console tables, and mirror frames, modelled in carved wood, plaster, or bronze.

How were gilt surfaces finished?

Gilt surfaces were created by applying a fine layer of gesso over wood, smoothing it, and then laying down thin sheets of gold leaf or silver giltwood. This labour-intensive process produced a brilliant reflective finish. Over time, the gold leaf develops a mellow patina that distinguishes genuine antique gilding from modern metallic paints.

Where were wall brackets placed?

Wall brackets featuring putti were typically positioned in formal reception rooms to support clocks, urns, or porcelain vases. Their decorative carving turned functional shelf supports into ornamental focal points. Pairs of brackets were often hung symmetrically flanking a doorway, fireplace, or large mirror.

How do I date a gilt mirror?

Dating relies on combining evidence from the mirror glass, the timber construction, and the stylistic vocabulary of the frame, such as Baroque scrolls or Regency restraint. Eighteenth-century mirrors often show bevelled edges and hand-formed glass plates. Frame construction methods, including the type of gesso preparation and joinery behind the putto cresting, also point to specific periods like the 1880s or earlier.

What is parcel gilding?

Parcel gilding involves applying gold leaf to specific raised portions of a carved object while leaving the surrounding wood or paint exposed. This technique creates contrast and highlights the carver's work. It is commonly found on mirrors and architectural pediments from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.