19th Century Giltwood Mirror w/ Shimmering Mercury Plate - 27½"x 23¼"

This antique wall mirror features a classic rectangular giltwood and gesso frame, articulated with raised oval medallions at the corners and center and enriched with foliate scrollwork and a delicate beaded inner molding. Dating from the nineteenth century, it reflects the decorative richness of the Napoleon III period. The gilding has been retouched in places and shows minor losses overall.

The original mercury-backed plate is superb and sparkles with the distinctive crystalline shimmer, with scattered speckling and a gentle haze along the edges that create a lively, atmospheric surface.

Whether hung in an entryway, above a mantel, or in a bathroom or powder room, the mirror remains clear and fully functional while offering exceptional depth and luminosity. Candlelight or crystal lighting enhances the subtle shimmer of the mercury glass, whose aged surface gently softens reflections without obscuring them. The result is a mirror that is both practical for everyday use and rich in atmosphere, bringing a quietly poetic presence to both traditional and contemporary interiors.