Wall mirror - Gilt brass - France

Incredible antique French wall mirror in wood from the early 19th century, with a cover in carved brass and gold leaf, characterized by an elegant architectural profile known as an “ear-shaped” form and Neoclassical decorative motifs. The linear structure and geometric motifs (such as egg-and-dart moulding and the inner beading motif) strongly recall the Neoclassical taste and the Empire style, which flourished between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The projecting “ear-shaped” corner is embellished with a carved floral rosette in relief; the inner lip (in contact with the glass) features a dense row of studs and raised spherical pearls, and a beautiful putto is carved in the upper pediment. The glass of the mirror shows characteristic oxidation and dark freckling, an indication of an antique mercury mirror. A truly unique piece, extremely rare given the brass with gold leaf construction technique, highly sought after in the antique market, in excellent condition.