Mid-Century Large Neoclassical Style Verre Églimosé & Carved Wood Trumeau Over-Mantel Wall Mirror – Italian 1960’s

A rare large scale ‘Verre Églimosé’ and carved hardwood trumeau over-mantel wall mirror from mid-century with a striking presence which …
A rare large scale ‘Verre Églimosé’ and carved hardwood trumeau over-mantel wall mirror from mid-century with a striking presence which makes an eye-catching focal point and injects elegance, style and light into a room.

Three (3) reverse-painted gilded glass panels form the Églimosé’ frieze across the top, beneath which are three (3) corresponding vertically-oriented mirror panels framed in carved wood, one large central panel flanked by a narrower pair of panels. Stylistic elements of French Neoclassical style can be seen in details including the mirror’s carved wood columns to the outer sides and the Iconic capitals surmounting them, carved acanthus leaves, and the ornamental design of the gilded glass panels with a stylized urns and foliage motif This mirror is also reminiscent of some surviving French Neoclassical mirrors created during the English Regency period (1810-1820).

Apparently made in Italy during the late 1950’s to early 1960’s period, and although no original maker’s label or other identification has been located, there are strong indications that it was made by D. Milch and Son (Italian).

Dimensions: 48.25 inches wide x 60.25 inches tall x 2.75 inches deep

NOTE RE PHOTOS: Please review all accompanying photos as they are considered part of this item’s description. The cover photo and several others show paper covering the mirror panels; but one photo is uncovered and shows that the mirror is in fine condition. Some photos that include shots of the decorative painted glass panels at the top may show reflections from nearby objects that can be misleading; these reflected images are NOT present in the actual painted panels.

HISTORY OF THIS PIECE: For decades this one-owner mirror was paired with a large mid-century French Provincial style dresser from John Widdicomb (very recently sold here on Chairish). Both the wood framing of this mirror and the companion dresser were originally finished in a white with gold trim painted finish. Both pieces were refinished to the current medium toned brown about ten years ago. A gilt refinish of the wood framing of this mirror would take it to ‘another level’. (Note that the all gilt-wood finished version of this mirror is currently for sale for over $2800.)

BACKGROUND OF ‘VERRE ÉGLIMOSE’: a French term used to mean ‘gilded glass’ and refers to the decoration process of applying a gilded (gold-leaf) design onto the rear face of glass to produce a mirror finish. Although the technique of back-painting and gilding glass actually dates back to pre-Roman times, one of the key historical periods of this art was from 13th-16th century Italy. The name Églimosé derives from the 18th-century French decorator and art-dealer Jean-Baptiste Glomy (1711-1786) who was responsible for its revival.