Any expert/enthusiastic antique mirror people here?

hello everyone.
Wondered if anyone could tell me more about this mirror that I’ve bought. Large (40x28 inches) circular, heavy, very nicely carved Louis XV (?) wooden mirror with rococo swags/ribbon adornments. No plaster or composition elements. Probably 3-4 inches deep - very deeply carved, three dimensional reliefs. Circling the glass is a carved, single length of ribbon twined around a carved, wooden hoop form - not easy to see from the images, but it’s a very well executed effect. Original nails to rear. Quite a bit of old worm damage - will need far more spending on it, I imagine, than it has cost me to buy. Also needs regilding. Planning to have the outer frame ebonised, in contrast.
Would really like to hear from anyone with a specialism in mirrors as it’s an area I’m keen to explore further but of course everyone is welcome to chip in.
Thanks in advance.

Mirror by Phil Harrison posted Aug 24, 2019 at 8:32 PM

Mirror by Phil Harrison posted Aug 24, 2019 at 8:29 PM

Mirror by Phil Harrison posted Aug 24, 2019 at 8:18 PM

Mirror by Phil Harrison posted Aug 24, 2019 at 8:29 PM

Mirror by Phil Harrison posted Aug 24, 2019 at 8:17 PM

Mirror by Phil Harrison posted Aug 24, 2019 at 8:17 PM

Mirror by Phil Harrison posted Aug 24, 2019 at 8:16 PM

 

Hoping to achieve this kind of effect after restoration. I know it won’t be cheap...

Mirror by Phil Harrison posted Aug 24, 2019 at 8:35 PM

 

Sorry, can't help, Phil. I really like the carving and the mirror in general.

Assuming you would you do the smooth sections in black and the carvings in gold?

 

I think ribbons and bows are one motif that was popular in the Federal Revival period. What are your thoughts on style?

Also, looks like a Roman "C" or "G" on the back that could be the artist's initial (even though you'd think they'd use two).

 

For future reference, a single thread per item is preferred to eliminate confusion and duplication of responders' efforts. Now that you have 2 about this same mirror, you should ask the mods to remove one.

 

Hello, thanks for that. In Europe, as far as I know, the ribbons and bows motif first gained popularity in the Louis XV period, 1715-1774, in France. looking at the back of the mirror, you can see both irregular hand beaten nail heads (rose head nails) and an empty, roughly square-shaped shank hole left where one of those nails used to be. Square nail shanks were used prior to 1800, which would seem to suggest that it’s period, that is to say, 1700’s.

It was around 1800, I believe, that composite/plaster emerged as the main material involved in creating the decorative elements of continental mirrors. Pretty confident that, had this piece been made after 1800, we’d see at least some use of composite mouldings, especially in the swags/bows/ribbons.

In summary, I see much in support of a pre-1800 date, stylistically and in terms of construction, and very little (nothing, in fact) indicating a later one.

Yes, I’d be looking to have the carved elements patched and water gilded (expensive!) and the non-carved, black. Think that would look pretty good. Glad you like it.

 

Shank hole by Phil Harrison posted Aug 24, 2019 at 11:54 PM

Shank holes by Phil Harrison posted Aug 24, 2019 at 11:53 PM

 

Pretty sure those are period rose head hand forged nails and corresponding holes.

Rose head nail hole by Phil Harrison posted Aug 24, 2019 at 11:58 PM

Rose head nails and shank impression by Phil Harrison posted Aug 25, 2019 at 12:06 AM

 

Ok, will do. Couldn’t seem to find a specific thread re: mirrors, hence the duplication.

 

Thanks for the close up and illustrations Does look like you've got a good match there. Nice find!

 

I hope so! From what I can tell, circular and oval mirrors dating to the mid-1700’s are quite rare. Just need to find out who ‘G’ was now. Think I can safely rule out Gary, Glenn and Greg (although Gregory might be a possible)