Where should I hang a large overmantel mirror?

Position your overmantel mirror securely above a fireplace mantelpiece to anchor the room's main focal point. Ensure the wall fixings match the substantial weight of carved wood and gesso frames. Alternatively, mount the mirror on a primary living room or hallway wall opposite a window to maximise natural light reflection. Keep the piece clear of direct heat sources that might dry out the old timber.

How can I tell a Florentine mirror apart?

Florentine frames typically display dense, continuous carved scrollwork, acanthus leaves, and classical strapwork motifs. They often omit flat surfaces entirely in favour of ornate, high-relief ornamentation. These frames rely heavily on giltwood finishes and frequently take rectangular or circular shapes. The carving style emphasises rich texture and deep undercutting characteristic of Tuscan workshops.

What is a reliquary mirror?

A reliquary mirror incorporates sacred Christian motifs, such as the flaming heart or papal symbols, into the carved frame design. Originating for devotional use, these pieces served both decorative and spiritual functions in Italian interiors. They often feature specialised iconography like the two keys associated with papal interest. Their unusual symbolism separates them from standard domestic wall mirrors.