A Very Large 19thC French Giltwood & Gesso Pier Mirror c.1880

Object Description

The near nine foot tall giltwood and gesso framed pier looking glass with the original arched and foxed mirror plate surmounted by a bow tied ribbon, with egg and dart cornice surviving from late nineteenth century France.

Object History

Unknown.

Object Literature

A pier glass is a mirror which is placed on a pier, i.e. a wall between two windows supporting an upper structure. It is therefore generally of a long and tall shape to fit the space. It may be as a hanging mirror or as mirrored glass affixed flush to the pier, in which case it is sometimes of the same shape and design as the windows themselves. This was a common decorating feature in the reception rooms of classical 18th century houses. This is a particularly large example of which we’ve not seen the like of before to this scale.

A very pretty pier glass of truly regal proportions.

Object Condition

The mirror is in very attractive and decorative condition. The original plate glass is nicely foxed with an even spread to the whole plate with some further deterioration to the lower right flank. The gilding as a whole remains true to its original condition, with some areas of retouching, and is ready and able to be hung and admired.

Object Details