Beautiful Louis-Philippe Narrow Overmantel Mirror in Gilded Wood - 47¾" x 24¾"

Elegant and tall, this French Louis-Philippe style overmantel mirror from the Napoleon III period presents a slender arched-rectangular silhouette in gilded wood with softly rounded corners. The main frieze of the frame is finely engraved with a floral pattern and bordered by sculpted inner and outer moldings, the gilding showing a warm, subtly burnished tone. The inner border shows signs of age with scattered losses, while the plate reflects with gentle age. The backboard has been replaced. Originating in the reign of Louis-Philippe in the early 19th century, and carried forward into the Second Empire (1852-70), this format favored clear contours and curved angles that softened the strict lines of earlier Neoclassicism.

Under Napoleon III, ateliers often enriched these restrained profiles with added ornaments such as carved inner borders of sculpted relief flowers. Tall and narrow, such mirrors were designed for chimneypieces and pier placements, amplifying candlelight and later gaslight to brighten salons and galleries while accentuating the vertical rhythm of Haussmann-era interiors. This mirror brings graceful height and warm patina to a room. It would sit beautifully above a mantel, anchor an entry over a console, or add vertical emphasis in a dining room between windows. Pair it with crystal lighting, marble, or painted paneling to echo its refined gilding, or contrast it with contemporary art and clean-lined upholstery for a balanced, layered composition.

Condition and patina consistent with age.
Note: Mirrors have been photographed facing fabric, a technique that reveals any age spots in the glass. In some cases, this may create the appearance of an empty frame, but each mirror is complete except where explicitly stated.
Approx. overall 47¾" high x 24¾" wide x 2¼" thick
Approx. overall 121cm high x 63cm wide x 6cm thick