Early 19th Century French Oval Giltwood Mirror Frame (Restauration/Louis Philippe)

This is an exquisite antique French oval mirror frame, crafted from giltwood (carved wood with a gold finish) and dating from the Early 19th Century.

This frame's aesthetic is characteristic of the French Restauration Period (c. 1814–1830) or the subsequent Louis Philippe Period (c. 1830–1848). Following the opulence of the Empire style, the fashion shifted towards a more restrained and bourgeois elegance. Frames from this era often featured smooth, rounded, and deep profiles, relying on the quality of the gilding and subtle details rather than excessive carving.

The deep, rounded profile and the subtle, repetitive incised foliate (leaf and vine) pattern that rings the surface are hallmarks of this transition. This pattern provides texture without disrupting the simple, classical lines.

The frame was crafted using the traditional technique of water gilding, where gold leaf is applied over a clay undercoat known as bole (visible here as a warm red colour). The finish displays a desirable, aged patina with minor surface cracking (craquelure) and areas of honest wear, particularly along the edges. This wear beautifully exposes the underlying red bole, which adds warmth and confirms the frame's authentic antique status.

Condition

Very good condition, with age-appropriate wear that adds to its charm and character. The mirror plate has been replaced at somepoint.

Measurement

Height:    51 cm /  20.1 inches

Width:     45 cm /  17.7 inches

Depth:     9 cm /  3.5 inches

Weight:   3.3 k.g. / 7.3 lbs