Gesso Rectangular Mirror
A gesso rectangular mirror brings light and period character to a room, offering the structured form of a wall mirror or overmantel mirror.
Gesso Rectangular Mirror
When you search for a gesso rectangular mirror, you encounter pieces designed to hang upon walls or rest above mantelpieces as overmantel mirrors. The selection spans the nineteenth century, including Victorian and Regency eras, alongside French Chateau, French Provincial, and Rococo Revival styles.
The format is predominantly rectangular, appearing in sizes from wall-hanging proportions to very large overmantle pieces. Frames display architectural lines or ornate moulded decoration, sometimes featuring specific motifs such as the Hoho bird crest or laurel leaf frames.
Materials and construction
The construction relies upon a wooden base, typically carved wood, which is then coated in gesso to build up the decorative surface and moulded details. This gesso layer provides the smooth, dense foundation necessary for crisp ornamentation and relief work.
Finishes applied over the gesso include gold leaf, giltwood, paint, and original silver or gilt layers. Mirror glass is set within these frames, sometimes paired with painted wood or oak elements in specific Rococo style pieces.
Listings feature pieces spanning the 19th Century, Victorian, and Regency periods, utilising wood, gesso, glass, and gold leaf.
Factors of quality
The distinction across the range lies in the depth and crispness of the carved wood and gesso relief work. Finer examples exhibit sharply defined ornament and well-executed moulding around the rectangular frame.
The condition of the surface finish also differentiates the pieces, whether through the preservation of original gold leaf, giltwood, or painted layers. The harmony between the original frame construction and the mirror glass determines the overall integrity of the piece.
The Gesso Rectangular Mirror Glossary
- Gesso
- A plaster-like mixture applied to a wooden base to form a smooth surface for gilding or painting. It allows intricate details and relief moulding to be built up before finishing.
- Giltwood
- Wood that has been coated with gold leaf or gilt. This material gives frames a luminous metallic surface.
- Overmantel mirror
- A large mirror designed specifically to hang or stand above a fireplace mantel. These pieces often feature wide rectangular proportions to span the width of the hearth.
- Rococo style
- An ornate design aesthetic characterised by asymmetry, curves, and natural motifs. It appears frequently in nineteenth-century French and English decorative woodwork.
Gesso Rectangular Mirror: Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I hang an overmantel mirror?
An overmantel mirror is traditionally placed directly above a fireplace mantel to reflect light and anchor the room's proportions.
Ensure the wall fixings are secure given the considerable weight of carved wood and gesso frames.
How do I identify a Victorian gesso mirror?
Victorian examples often display characteristic nineteenth-century revival styles, combining heavy wooden frames with moulded gesso decoration.
Look at the backing, joinery, and framing materials for indicators of nineteenth-century construction methods.
Can these mirrors be hung horizontally and vertically?
The orientation depends on the specific design of the rectangular frame and the placement of the original hanging fixings.
Overmantel mirrors are generally built for horizontal display above fireplaces, while standard wall mirrors vary.
What is the difference between giltwood and painted finishes?
Giltwood involves applying gold leaf or gilt directly over the gesso surface to create a metallic sheen.
Painted finishes utilise pigments over the wood and gesso, appearing in plain, silvered, or coloured formats.