Antique French Beveled Gold Leaf Mirror | Bow and Pearl Crest

• Structurally inspected
• Adjusted and reinforced where necessary
• Furniture ready for use

A large mirror does two things in a room: it multiplies the light and defines the focal point. For the latter, the frame matters more than the glass.

This antique French mirror was made in the late 19th century, when the ribbon bow of the Louis XVI repertoire once again topped off salon frames. It is covered in gold leaf and came from an antiques dealer.

The pediment rises in a curve from two rounded shoulders and is crowned by a bow with loose ribbons on either side. The entire outer edge features a beaded border: a continuous row of small golden beads.

The main molding imitates the bark of a branch, with raised veins and small knots scattered across the frame. A smooth, gilded fillet separates it from the glass.

The glass retains its period silvering: spots, veils, and vertical streaks, denser in the upper half. It reflects, but through a grey haze.

Where handling has worn away the gold, the dark tone of the base shows through. Some beads are missing from the edge, and there is a crack in the lower crosspiece. They are visible, and they tell a story.

It measures 106 cm wide, 5 cm deep, and 118 cm high, and weighs 30 kg.

Above a mantelpiece or on a living room console. In an entryway, hung alone or leaning on the floor against the wall.

At 30 kg, hanging it requires anchoring to a solid wall. On a plasterboard partition, it is better left leaning.

WHAT WE LIKE MOST ABOUT THIS PIECE

→ The bow. Two loops, the ribbons falling on either side of the pediment, and a small button in the center of the knot. It is the first thing you see when entering the room.

→ The golden bark. With side lighting, the veins and knots of the frame cast their own shadows. The gold changes tone depending on the time of day.

RESTORATION IN OUR NAVALCARNERO WORKSHOP, MADRID

In the workshop, the frame was inspected and the gold leaf was secured where it was beginning to lift, without re-gilding.

The gilding marks, the missing beads, and the silvering of the glass were left untouched.

Style: Louis XVI, late 19th-century revival
Material: Wood with plaster composition; mirrored lunette
Technique: Gold leaf; bark-effect relief, pearlescent edging and bow crest
Finish: Original gold leaf, with wear to the relief; no color retouching in the workshop
Hardware: None
Configuration: Single lunette with curved pediment
Dimensions: 106 cm (Width) × 5 cm (Depth) × 118 cm (Height)
Condition: Good, with marks on the gilding, losses to the pearlescent finish, a crack in the lower crossbar and oxidation of the silvering on the lunette
Period: Late 19th century

106 cm (Width) × 5 cm (Depth) × 118 cm (Height)

Free shipping to mainland Spain. Includes indoor delivery with packaging removal.