An Early 20thC French Ebonised Convex Oval Wall Mirror

Object Description

The attractive oval shaped wall mirror having an ebonised moulded rippled frame to the original convex mirror plate, showing some attractive aged foxing, the whole surviving from the first quarter of twentieth century France.

Object History

Unknown.

Object Literature

The convex shape was very popular from the Regency period and appeared in many forms, often with the addition of exotic animals, flora and other decoration. They are known to reflect more light than the comparably sized flat mirrors, also reflecting the entire room and other sources of light. Although made from the mid-18th century, they did not gain great popularity until about 1790. Convex mirrors were often placed above the dining room sideboard, which allowed the butler to discretely keep an eye on dinner guests while keeping his back turned. Later, opticians, circuses and fairgrounds all made use of the shape.

Hard to find in oval form, a delightful mirror.

Object Condition

The mirror is in attractive, decorative aged condition. The original plate glass is intact and has attractive crackle foxing across large parts though still remains useable. The reverse is punctured as photographed.

Object Details