Beautiful Louis Philippe Silver Leaf Overmantel Mirror - 42½" x 29¼"

This grand Louis-Philippe mirror from the mid-19th century, is finished in hand-applied silver leaf over a wood and gesso frame. The classic rounded-rectangular profile with arched shoulders and squared lower corners is enriched by subtle horizontal banding along the cushion-molded surround, creating a refined, rhythmic texture that catches the light with quiet elegance. The frame shows gentle rubbing to the high points and small age marks, while the mirror plate displays scattered foxing and light clouding, more pronounced along the lower edge.

Created during the reign of Louis-Philippe, this mirror reflects the period’s preference for measured neoclassical restraint and clear silhouettes in place of earlier exuberant ornament. Silver leaf, laid over bole and burnished by hand, offered a cooler, more modern alternative to gilt, harmonizing with the sober elegance of Parisian interiors. The antique plate has developed the characteristic speckled oxidation, admired today for its atmospheric quality.

The mirror’s generous scale and luminous silver finish make it an elegant focal point above a mantel, console, or chest, where it amplifies light and adds depth without overpowering the room. Its cool tone pairs beautifully with pale stone, painted paneling, and nickel or pewter accents, bridging classical refinement with contemporary schemes.