Pair of 19th Century Painted Folk Art Arched Mirrors With Heraldic Lion Crests

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An extraordinary and rare pair of 19th century arched mirrors, retaining their original hand-painted crest panels and heavily foxed antique … Read more An extraordinary and rare pair of 19th century arched mirrors, retaining their original hand-painted crest panels and heavily foxed antique glass. These mirrors embody the romance of European folk art—rich in symbolism, patina, and timeworn beauty.

Each mirror features a tall rectangular frame surmounted by a peaked arch pediment. The crest panels are hand-painted with heraldic lions flanking a central stylized fleur-de-lis or sword-like motif, rendered in earthy ochres, muted reds, soft cream, and deep brown. The lions wear crowns and are depicted in a primitive, almost medieval manner, full of charm and narrative presence. Decorative scrollwork and quatrefoil accents complete the composition.

The painted surfaces show extensive, authentic age wear—abrasion, craquelure, and areas of pigment loss—revealing layers of history and enhancing their soulful character. The mirror plates are original and heavily foxed, with dramatic silvering loss throughout that creates a moody, painterly surface reminiscent of abstract landscape textures.

The wooden frames are simple and rustic, allowing the crests to command attention. The backs reveal early construction methods with old wood planking and later stabilization hardware, consistent with age.

These mirrors likely originate from Continental Europe—possibly Alpine, Scandinavian, or Northern Italian—where painted folk furnishings were traditionally adorned with heraldic and symbolic imagery.

Ideal flanking a fireplace, anchoring an entry, or installed in a dramatic powder room where their aged glass and storybook crests can be fully appreciated. See less