18th C French Louis XVI Harp Mirror
Love, Actually. Louis XVI Edition, Circa 1780-1800
Meet this utterly charming French Louis XVI mirror. Quite possibly created to celebrate a marriage, it still radiates that "just married" glow, minus the chaos of in-laws and towering cake tiers. Hand-carved in giltwood with an elegant harp and laurel crest, it's the kind of romantic flourish that would make even Cupid swoon.
A Neoclassical Love Story
Crafted in France during the closing years of the 18th century, this mirror perfectly captures the refined elegance of the Louis XVI period. Gone were the exuberant curls of the Rococo era; in came the clean lines and classical beauty inspired by ancient Greece and Rome.
The crest tells its own story. The harp symbolises harmony, love and the arts, while the surrounding laurel wreath represents eternity and enduring affection. Add the delicate pearl beading, long associated with purity and perfection, and you've got a little Neoclassical love letter carved in wood and dressed in gold leaf. Whether it was commissioned as a wedding gift or simply admired for its fashionable symbolism, it still carries an unmistakable air of quiet romance.
Original Water Gilding
One of the true delights of this mirror is its original water gilding, using genuine gold leaf. Unlike modern gilding, water gilding has a remarkable depth and softness, catching the light with a warm glow that only centuries can mellow into such quiet elegance.
The original mirror plate has also survived beautifully. It remains wonderfully clear, with a graceful band of foxing along one side. Think beauty mark rather than blemish. Together with the gentle wear to the gilded frame, these are the honest traces of a mirror that has spent more than two centuries reflecting life as it happened.
Whether hung above a fireplace, in a hallway, bedroom or powder room, this is a mirror that does far more than brighten a wall. It brings history, craftsmanship and a healthy dose of French elegance into a room. And if the harp truly does symbolise harmony, perhaps this mirror has spent the last 225 years quietly encouraging it. We like to think it still does.
Product info
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GENERAL CONDITION
Please keep in mind that in many cases we sell vintage and antique pieces. None of these pieces should be considered new or in perfect condition.
All of our vintage products show the rich beauty and history of their life with the knocks and bumps of many years of use. We restore our pieces so they will be clean and in a good working condition. However we try to minimise restoration to keep every piece as original as possible.
PHOTOGRAPHY
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