Antique Late Federal Period Giltwood Overmantle Mirror With Original Paper Label

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With our absolute highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques takes the utmost pleasure in offering this exceptional antique overmantle mirror. This … Read more With our absolute highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques takes the utmost pleasure in offering this exceptional antique overmantle mirror. This example is a product of the first half of the 19th century when the demand for federal mirrors of an elongated form designed to be placed over a fireplace mantle was at its highest. The entire mirror is created by applying gesso plaster over a wooden form and subsequently layering gold paint over the gesso surface. This process allows for the creation of intricately molded details, particularly floral elements, which are embellished throughout the entire mirror. The frame features a protruding crown molding as well as floral decorated half columns spanning the perimeter. The mirrored glass panel is partitioned by two vertical half columns that provide the mirror with a sense of balance and symmetry. A continual band of repeating acanthus leaf relief work spans the lower rail of the mirror frame which provides this piece with a degree of sophistication and design superiority uncommonly found on overmantle mirrors from this era. The gilding remains more vibrant along the various ringlet turnings which break up the larger design elements throughout the frame. As with nearly all antique giltwood mirrors, there are areas which have been touched in with gold paint as subtle losses of gesso are generally accepted to occur due to the delicate nature of the material. Perhaps some of the most exciting elements of this mirror appear on verso, or on the back of the mirror. The first is the original paper label denoting the makers of this mirror to be The Pape Brothers Molding Company of Cincinatti, Ohio. A secondary label identifying Woerner's Art Gallery located at 22 North Fifth Street in Reading, Pennsylvania as the likely original retailer who would have sold this mirror to the original private owner. The presence of either label would be enough to enthrall most collectors, so we feel immensely fortunate to offer this remarkable example baring both identifying elements. A contemporary wooden rail is applied to the back to serve as French cleat when the mirror is hung on the wall. This rail can be left alone or easily removed should the next owner of this mirror desire. We always recommend that special care is taken when hanging these mirrors particularly in antique homes with old plaster walls. Overall, the mirror measures 63" wide x 25" tall and projects 4" in depth when measured from the crown molding. See less