What is verre eglomise?

Verre eglomise is an artistic technique involving the application of gold or silver leaf and paint to the back of a glass panel. This creates a mirrored, decorative picture panel often seen in the upper section of a pier mirror. The method dates back to antiquity but saw a strong revival during the Regency period, providing a rich contrast to the surrounding giltwood frame.

How do I identify a Regency mirror?

Regency mirrors typically display strong Neoclassical influences, including architectural columns, classical motifs, and convex or triple plate configurations. Look for carved details like reeding, balls along the frame, and distinct proportions designed for tall nineteenth-century rooms. Makers of this era frequently employed gesso over carved wood to achieve sharp relief work before applying gold leaf.

What does foxed glass mean?

Foxed glass refers to mirror plates that have developed age spots, cloudiness, or a speckled appearance as the reflective silver backing degrades over time. This natural oxidation process occurs across decades in older domestic environments. Rather than a fault, many collectors prize lightly foxed plates because they confirm the antique origin of the mirror glass.

Where should I hang a pier mirror?

Pier mirrors were originally designed to fit on the narrow section of wall between two windows, known as the pier. This placement bounced incoming natural light back into the chamber. In modern rooms, they work well in similar narrow wall spaces, hallways, or above low pieces of furniture where their vertical proportions can be fully appreciated.