Description :
This elegant French giltwood mirror dates from the 18th century and is crafted in the refined Louis XV style, distinguished by its fluid rocaille ornamentation, scrolling foliage, and asymmetrical pierced crest. The richly carved wooden frame is entirely gilded, with finely detailed floral motifs and shell forms that reflect the exuberance and lightness characteristic of the period.
The mirror retains its original mercury glass, which displays a beautifully aged surface. Natural foxing, silvering loss, and subtle clouding are visible throughout, creating a soft, atmospheric reflection that cannot be replicated with modern glass. These irregularities are consistent with age and contribute significantly to the mirror’s authenticity and charm.
As expected for an object of this period, the frame shows small accidents and signs of time: minor chips, wear to the gilding, small losses to carved details, and stable hairline cracks in the wood, particularly at the corners and along the edges. The crest shows old restorations and slight separations, while the lower sections display gentle abrasions and wear from centuries of handling. The back retains remnants of original paper lining, now worn and fragmented, further attesting to its age.
Overall, this mirror remains structurally sound and visually striking, offering an exceptional decorative presence and a genuine sense of history for both classic and contemporary interiors.
Dimensions : 10 cm x 76 cm x H 106 cm