Large Louis-Philippe giltwood mirror — France, circa 1850-1870

Large Louis-Philippe period overmantel mirror in moulded and stuccoed wood, gilded with gold leaf over a red bole ground. Rounded upper corners and straight base, the characteristic signature of this French production from the third quarter of the nineteenth century.

The principal moulding is enriched with a finely incised radiating fluting, rhythmically bordered by a frieze of pearls.

The whole rests upon a broad, smooth flat band. The original mercury glass, with its characteristic spotting, unambiguously attests to the antiquity of the piece.

Period backing of assembled pine planks to the reverse.

The gilding, preserved almost in its entirety, allows the underlying red bole to show through in places — a trace of the traditional fine-gold work of nineteenth-century French gilders, lending the piece a luminous and warm patina.

Fine overall state of conservation.

Wear consistent with age and use.

France, nineteenth century