“All the French and Italian 18th and 19th Century mirrors sourced, are individual crafted works of art. Each is an icon of style, reflecting the ruling monarch of the era, and framing a unique time-image of history.”
Louis XIV (1700 – 1715)
French Baroque Style, originating in the reign of King Louis III, yet more associated with the king Louis XIV, the Sun King, who ruled from 1643-1715. This baroque style is bold, dramatic, grand, often pompous, exuberant, symmetrical and rather ornamental. The acanthus leaf is a frequently used motif, along with decorative crests that are often made separate from the frame, and positioned as a large ornamental crown. The famous Hall of Mirrors at The Palace of Versailles is indicative of this style.
Measurements: 60 – 160 cm hoog
Peices: 1.000 – 9.500 euro
45 x 76 cm (wxh)
2.500 euro
Régence (1715 – 1730)
This is a transition period (1715 -1730) in French history, the country being ruled temporarily by the regent Philippe d’ Orléans on behalf of the under-aged King Louis XV. The emphasis gradually shifted towards a more refined style. The pomposity of the baroque style gave way to lighter, more delicate and playfully refined forms of decoration. This would lead to what would become the frivolous Rococo Style, under King Louis XV.
Measurement: 60 – 220 cm hoog
Prices: 1.000 – 15.000 euro
70 x 104 cm (wxh)
5.500 euro
“The size of the mirrored glass reveals the age of an antique mirror.”
Louis XV (1740 – 1770)
The Louis XV style (Louis Quinze style), emminates from the Baroque style via the Regency period – it is identified as the Rococo Period. This Rococo style is playful, light, much more delicate, and asymmetrical. It is characterized by flowing scrolls, frills, and rather curly stylized decorations. Nature is the major source of inspiration, especially vines and acantus leaves.
Measurement: 80 – 210 cm hoog
Prices: 1.500 – 20.000 euro
85 x 175 cm (wxh)
12.500 euro
62 x 101 cm (wxh)
3.500 euro
Louis XVI (1760 – 1789)
The Louis XVI style is a response to the sparkling excess of the Baroque & Rococo styles. There is now a preference towards plain more sober designs. The frames are rectangular, and the decorations are flatter, aiming again for symmetry / correctness. Vases, flowers, and musical instruments are popular motifs. The frame is often adorned with fluting, trimmed with beaded edges, and surrounded by classical laurel leaves.
Measurements: 65 – 240 cm hoog
Prices: 750 – 12.500 euro
84 x 185 cm (wxh)
9.500 euro
77 x 193 cm (wxh)
3.750 euro
“The original mirror glass used in the 18th century and early 19th century is called mercury glass. An alloy of mercury and tin.”
18th and 17th Century – Antique mirrors originating made in Italy
We find in our search mirrors originally made in Venice, black rectangular mirrors made in the 17th Century from Lucca as well as richly ornamented giltwood mirrors from Florence.
The Italian mirrors from the 18th Century are more subtle and exquisite than their French contemporaries. See this Rococo mirror from Tuscany. Surmounted by an elaborate pierces arched top crest with decorative C-scrolled legs.
When talking about mirror studios in the past, Venice is first and foremost. Second best is the region in the North of Italy, especially Tuscany.
Measurement: 60 – 160 cm height
Prices: 750 – 7.500 euro
78 x 156 cm (wxh)
7.500 euro
68,5 x 78 cm (bxh)
3.500 euro
19th century mirrors in the style of Louis XV and Louis XVI
Despite the fact that the mirror frames in the 19th century are no longer been stitched by hand, they are still individual crafted works of art.
In the workshops in the 19th century , craftsmen could have be inspired by a style, created by a ruling king in the 18th century. So you can find a mirror in the style of Louis XV or in the style of Louis XVI, made in the 19th century according to a different technique (although gilded by the ancient, unchanged technique of gilding).
85 x 155 cm (wxh)
1.750 euro
102 x 156 cm (wxh)
2.150 euro
19th century Louis XV-style
Measurements: 110 – 250 cm hoog
Prices: 750 – 4.000 euro
19th century Louis XVI-style
Measurement: 110 – 250 cm hoog
Prices: 650 – 5.500 euro
19th century mirrors in the style of Louis Philippe (1830 -1850)
Also these mirrors are made in the French workshops during the 19th century. The gilding in those days was according to the ancient unchanged technique. So despite the fact that the mirror frames are no longer been stitched by hand, they are still individual crafted works of art. The top crest is often a stylized shell with meandering flowers continuing to the sides.
84 x 154 cm (wxh)
2.150 euro
100 x 151 cm (wxh)
1.850 euro
Measurements: 90 – 275 cm hoog
Prices: 650 – 7.500 euro
Measurements: 50 – 220 cm hoog
Prices: 350 – 3.500 euro
19th century mirrors in the style of Louis Philippe (1830 -1850)
Also these mirrors are made in the French workshops during the 19th century. Despite the fact that the mirror frames are no longer been stitched by hand, they are still individual crafted works of art. The gilding in those days was according to the ancient unchanged technique. But in this case silverleave has been used instead of goldleave.
Measurement: 50 – 180 cm hoog
Prices: 250 – 3.500 euro
87 x 122 cm (wxh)
3.750 euro
65 x 97 cm (wxh)
750 euro
