19th Century French 6' Arched Wood Floor Mirror with Foxed Glass

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Description

A 19th-century French mirror from the south of France, notable first for its scale—just over 6.5 feet tall and just … Read more A 19th-century French mirror from the south of France, notable first for its scale—just over 6.5 feet tall and just over 4 feet wide. It was made to live with architecture, not sit beside it.

The proportions suggest it once hung in a bedroom or entry of a provincial home, where mirrors like this were used both practically and to pull light deeper into the space. In houses with thick plaster walls and smaller windows, a piece of this size would have helped soften and extend what little light was available.

The frame is carved from wood and finished in a deep, warm tone, its surface showing gentle variation and wear from time. The profile is simple but considered, with a slight arch at the top that lifts the otherwise rectilinear form. It’s not overly decorative—just enough shaping to give it presence without excess.

The mirror plate carries a soft foxing throughout, most visible along the edges. It diffuses the reflection slightly, taking away the sharpness and replacing it with something quieter, more atmospheric.

What remains is a piece that still does what it was intended to do—hold light, open a room—but now with a sense of age that feels integrated rather than applied.

Condition: Very good antique condition with wear consistent with age and use. The wood frame shows surface variation, small marks, and areas of finish wear that contribute to its patina.

The mirror plate displays foxing throughout, more concentrated along the edges, softening the reflection. Minor imperfections to the glass and backing are present, consistent with 19th-century construction. Hanging hardware affixed to the reverse. See less