18th-Century French Giltwood Parclose Mirror w/ Foxed Glass - 22¾" x 20"

This atmospheric 18th-century French parclose mirror features a rectangular central plate surrounded by four narrow mirrored panels, separated by slender giltwood moldings. Each corner is embellished with carved scrolling ornaments, while a delicate Bérain-style outer border completes the composition. The gilding has mellowed to warm coppery-gold and reddish-brown tones, with rubbing and small losses that give the frame a beautifully aged appearance. The glass has extensive foxing and desilvering, particularly across the central plate, where irregular patches of silver-gray, charcoal and cloudy white create an almost painterly effect.

More decorative than functional as a looking glass, this mirror's appeal lies in its wonderfully atmospheric surface. Almost like an abstract painting, it could take the place of a work of art above a narrow console in an entrance hall or over a fireplace, or sit naturally among antique portraits and landscapes on a gallery wall. The warm gilding and beautifully mottled glass bring a sense of history and a slightly mysterious quality to the room.