Large Louis Philippe fireplace mirror. Mercury glass, gold leaf gilding

Impressive late 19th century fireplace mirror with its original tin (mercury) glass and magnificent gilt patina! The latter was done with gold leaf, according to the rules of the art, but has faded over time, allowing the original red undercoat to resurface. On the other hand, the gold leaf has held particularly well where the gilder has overlapped the two juxtaposed leaves, which always creates these small, more sustained trains at regular intervals (which is how we recognize the use of gold leaf). As a result, we obtain a unique patina, where the gold remains very present but enhanced by the blood red of the frame. We can also distinguish the beautiful floral decorations chiseled in the stucco, in particular the very beautiful fresco on the lower plinth. The mirror is period, therefore tin (commonly called mercury): thick and very warm, it produces a much more "lively" reflection than our modern mirrors. The back is bare and the mirror is damaged in three places which leave small dark marks. We also have all these pitting and small, very fine networks of ribs which appear here and there and give all their soul to these mirrors. We also note occasional repairs on the frame and the gilding. But good general condition. H: 150.5 cm. W: 108.5 cm.