This small, French provincial mirror is wonderfully original. The beautifully foxed mirror plate sits in a nicely carved and gilded wood frame. Looking at the reverse we see the corners are all secured with inlaid wooden banding, a sign that the frame was made for this mirror and isn't one that's been cut down and made up at a later point. This is furthered by simple, but well made backing board with their chamfered edges and a period correct, probably original hanging loop / mirror plate sits on the top edge. 

 

Born in the 18th century, French provincial style was the brainchild of provincial nobility who wanted to distant themselves from a Paris they considered “too urban” for their taste and is described by interiors magazines etc as classic, yet casual. This mirror is a fantastic example of the type - the carving isn't overly fancy or ornate and the gilding, not too bright but it still has a finesse and a distinctly classic aesthetic. 

 

Condition wise the piece is exactly as you'd hope to find it; a nice amount of foxing to the mirror plate, enough to add character but not so much that it becomes unusable and the gilding on the frame has rubbed through on the highlights, softening it nicely. There are a few knocks and chips to the carving, most notable on the upper corners - these have been coloured in over the years and there's a small section of the gilt missing to the middle of the inner lower edge and to the outer of the bottom edge just to the left of centre.  

 

The mirror is ready to hang and measures 23cm wide x 28cm high x 4cm deep (lovely, chunky carving!)