Object Description
This is a large impressive antique Victorian carved giltwood and gesso wall overmantel mirror, Circa 1860 in date.
The frame is surmounted with a striking carved giltwood central finial with shell anthemion, acanthus leaf, foliage and berries decoration. The arched rectangular mirror is framed with with egg-and-dart moulding with beading.
The quality and craftsmanship of this stunning piece are absolutely superb.
Add an elegant touch to a special wall in your home with this fantastic mirror.
Condition:
In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 165 x Width 106 x Depth 20
Dimensions in inches:
Height 5 foot, 5 inches x Width 3 foot, 6 inches x Depth 8 inches
The purpose of gilding is to give the appearance of solid gold, a practice that began over 4,000 years ago in Egypt. Paintings from Egyptian tombs from around 2000 B.C. show workers pounding gold into thin sheets to apply to pieces of furniture and coffins. The Greeks applied gilding to statues in around 400 B.C.E., and gilding techniques have continued to be used in Europe, South America, Spain, Britain and the United States.
During the 18th century, Louis XIV of France flaunted his wealth with gilded furnishings, framed artwork and architectural detailing, marking France as a leader in the decorative arts.
There are two methods of true gilding: oil gilding and water gilding.
Oil gilding uses an oil-based product on a prepared surface, and the leaf is gently pressed onto the surface.
Water gilding uses a water-based adhesive that causes the gold leaf to adhere to the surface.
Our reference: A3522