Antique Giltwood Mirror From Provence, France, Circa 1850

Description

Known in France as a miroir à parcloses, this giltwood mirror from France features a rectangular center mirror surrounded by … more Known in France as a miroir à parcloses, this giltwood mirror from France features a rectangular center mirror surrounded by several smaller mirrors. Hand-carved circa 1850 in Provence, France, the main mirror is surrounded by a thin cavetto molding. The four segregated mirrors are separated by squares adorned with a pierced merging of two C-scrolls. A thin and slightly raised border adorned with scrolls, leaves, and diaper encircles the side mirrors. The edges of the frame are embellished with scalloped leaves and scrolls (S-scrolls near the top of the frame and C-scrolls near the bottom). Each of the upper corners has a leaf curl that flanks the beautiful, pierced crest, which consists of a wicker basket overflowing with flowers set between a pair of C-scrolls with a foliate crown. A smaller leaf supports the base of the basket, surmounting a diaper-pattern top edge of the frame. Our Provencal giltwood mirror has a remarkable aesthetic appeal as the result of traces of red bole beneath the gilding and some loss of silvering to the glass, which gives it a highly sought-after appearance. It would make a wonderful addition to any room of the house. less