19th Century French Charles X Verre Églomisé Mirror, Circa 1860

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A finely decorated French Charles X style verre églomisé mirror, circa 1860, with a rectangular frame bordered by reverse-painted and … Read more A finely decorated French Charles X style verre églomisé mirror, circa 1860, with a rectangular frame bordered by reverse-painted and gilt glass panels. The ivory-toned ground is enriched with delicate gilt arabesques, scrolling acanthus, palmettes, rosettes, and cobalt-blue circular medallions, arranged in a formal neoclassical pattern around the mirror plate. The restrained black outer molding frames the composition with a crisp architectural outline, while the gilded ornament and blue accents give the piece a refined, jewel-like quality.

Although inspired by the elegant decorative language of the Charles X period, the mirror’s circa 1860 date reflects the 19th-century revival of earlier French neoclassical taste. The verre églomisé technique, with decoration applied to the reverse of glass, creates a luminous surface in which the gilt motifs appear suspended beneath the glass. The result is a sophisticated French wall mirror combining classical ornament, painted glasswork, and decorative brilliance suited to a formal interior.

Measurements: 22.5" h x 18" w.

Previously acquired from Christies London, 2005. See less