catalog text
LARGE LOUIS XVI STYLE GILTWOOD MIRROR
France, circa late 19th century
Item # 203NAT04L
A substantial Neoclassical mirror from the last quarter of the 19th century, it is bold in proportions and measures just over 6' in height and just under 4' wide. The mirror is a powerful presentation piece that is intended for placement over a pier table. The surface is carved and finished with a layer of white gesso, a layer of red bole and finally a brilliant burnished gilding. This old surface has worn over the years to produce a lovely overall patina with variation throughout; it retains old glass with only minor silvering loss.
Measurements: 72 1/4" H x 2" D x 44 1/8" W
Condition Report:
Old gilding heavily worn and rubbed away throughout, this revealing much of the red bole and white gesso underlayers; chipping throughout, particularly to corners - notably the upper left corner (wood exposed) and the lower left corner (more significant loss with exposed wood and loss of the base decoration for the molding); silvering loss to the old mirror glass. Overall a wonderful "worn" presentation.