Ref. 1224/34

Exceptional mirror

France
Circa 1860

Height : 225 cm (88,6 in.) ; Width : 135 cm (53 in.) ; Depth : 10 cm (4 in.)

An important carved and gilded wood mirror, with a very fine decoration made of flower garlands wrapped around the moulded frame, sculpted with acanthus leaves. A large foliate shell ornaments the top of the mirror.

Mirrors applied on walls develop during thr 16th century, but with small size mirror plates and heavy framing. Frequently an ornamented shutter folds down to protect the mirror plate. During the 17th century the monopoly for mirror production stays in Venice, until Colbert creates the “Manufacture Royale des Glaces” in 1666. In 1688, Lucas de Néhout invents the mirror casting system, allowing him to obtain large size mirrors. These mirrors, which could cover entirely a trumeau, become true display elements in the apartments. By reflecting the light coming from chandeliers and candelabras, they greatly enhanced the decoration of the room they were placed in.