Late 18th Century French Giltwood Wall Mirror Louis XVI W/ Ribbon Crest - 25½" x 15"

This petite giltwood Louis XVI period wall mirror features a rectangular plate set within a carved frame edged by a beaded inner molding and crossetted corners, flanked by pendant husks and tassel drops. Above rises a ribbon-tied crest centering an oval cartouche fitted with a secondary mirror, a particularly charming detail that enriches the composition and multiplies reflections. Floral garlands flank the crest, softening its architectural form. The gilding presents a rich, luminous surface, almost certainly refreshed in the 19th century. The original plate is lightly speckled yet retains good visibility.

Small mirrors of this type were designed for intimate rooms, intended to hang above a console or between windows where their gilding amplified candlelight. The additional mirror in the crest not only adds playful elegance but also heightens the light-scattering effect, giving the frame a poetic liveliness that was much prized in the late 18th century.

Graceful in scale and rich in detail, this mirror makes an elegant focal point in an entry, powder room, or bedroom above a commode. It pairs beautifully with a marble-topped console and a single candlestick for a classic vignette, or can be set against contemporary art to add a warm neoclassical note. The gently mottled plate adds character without sacrificing function, casting a soft, flattering glow in any setting.