18th Century Mirror in Carved Gilt Wood Decorated with Birds, Fruit and Cherub, 1780

Details

Description

An exceptional 18th-century French mirror featuring a substantial carved and gilded wooden frame of remarkable decorative richness.

The carving unfolds … Read more An exceptional 18th-century French mirror featuring a substantial carved and gilded wooden frame of remarkable decorative richness.

The carving unfolds around the mirror in a particularly abundant composition, blending plant, animal, and ornamental elements.

Notably, one can distinguish carved birds with outstretched wings, arranged symmetrically among the foliage, as well as numerous fruits in high relief, primarily pears and stylized fruits. The whole is enlivened by leafy branches, flowers, buds, and intertwined ribbons.

The lower rail is centered with a child's mascaron or cherub's head, framed by broad foliage and fruit. This figurative element enhances the spectacular character of the composition.

The background of the frame itself is entirely worked with a succession of stylized foliate motifs, punched reserves, and repetitive ornaments. Several parts of the decoration are carved with a pronounced projection, giving the frame a depth of approximately 10 cm.

The antique gilding displays varying tones, ranging from a deep gold to warmer shades, occasionally revealing the underlying layers and the wood. These variations contribute to the beautiful patina of the piece.

The antique mercury glass/silvering exhibits significant oxidation and widespread pitting. This highly sought-after decorative feature gives the mirror a particularly authentic presence. The glass is hand-beveled around its entire edge, a particularly meticulous task for the period, requiring lengthy shaping and precise polishing of the glass. This regular bevel testifies to true craftsmanship and underscores the mirror's high quality.


The back retains its original mounting with wide wooden planks.

The mirror naturally bears the marks of its centuries of existence: cracks in the wood, wear and loss of gilding, minor damage and losses in the carving, old repairs, and significant deterioration of the silvering. These elements are visible in the photographs and contribute fully to its character.

Conservative restoration could be considered to consolidate certain parts while preserving this exceptional antique patina.

Period: 18th century

Origin: probably France

Materials: carved and gilded wood, antique glass

Decoration: birds, fruit, flowers, foliage, ribbons, and a cherub's head

Dimensions:

Height: 68 cm

Width: 98 cm

Maximum depth: approx. 10 cm See less