Gesso Furniture

A Magnificent Pair of George II Style English Carved Giltwood ‘Rococo’ Wall Mirrors After A Design By Thomas Johnson. Of large proportions, each mirror having a cartouche-shaped plate within a profusely carved and pierced branch-entwined frame with stylised acanthus foliate rocaille and ‘C’-scroll decoration, architectural motifs and running dogs, surmounted by an asymmetrical pagoda form cresting with rockwork spires and a seated rustic couple holding a basket, flanked by confronted Ho-Ho birds, with a conforming asymmetrical apron of acanthus and waterwork icicles centred by a perching bird. This magnificent and ornate pair of English wall mirrors or ‘pier glasses’ are refined and reduced from a design by Thomas Johnson (1723–1799) first published in 1756 and included in his ‘Collections of Designs’ (1758), plate 4, and republished in his ‘One Hundred and Fifty New Designs" (1761) as plate 22. Pier Glasses were designed to be placed on the wall or 'pier' between windows; as well as forming part of a decorative scheme they provided an important functional use, creating a reversal of dynamic with the windows at night, reflecting and maximising the light given off by candles or oil lamps. Johnson’s asymmetrical design creates a sense of fluidity and lightness to the mirrors, employing ‘contraste’ in the placing or absence of elements, to create a stylised form, which through the dynamic tension of its constituent parts instils the mirrors with a sense of playfulness and vitality. In London throughout the 1740s and 1750s there developed a great enthusiasm for the whimsical Rococo style, and it rapidly became the height of fashion, popularised, and disseminated throughout the country and further afield by cabinetmakers’ 'Books of Prices', and 'Directories'. The second half of the 19th century saw a revival of the Rococo style in England and many designers and furniture makers turned once again to Chippendale’s ‘Director’ and designs by Matthias Lock and Thomas Johnson for inspiration, with fine examples based on modified designs or specific plates. Thomas Johnson’s designs, executed in a vigourous picturesque manner, are often inspired by the work of earlier French designers, transposing motifs taken from engraved ornament by Jean Bérain, Daniel Marot, William de la Cour, J. B. Toro and Francis Barlow...

Fabulous wooden rectangular frame with fantastic gilt. This wood frame will accommodate artwork 12x14 . Add some vintage charm to your favorite water color, print of oil painting wit...

A magnificent venetian figural floor lamp A charming Italian carved wooden figural floor lamp The figure is carved in soft wood which has been p...

An absolutely spectacular faux coral chandelier, handmade in iron with gesso and white paint. Lots of beautiful patina, this highly complicated sculpture is spectacular when lit. It ...

Italian Neoclassical set of four gilt carved wood and gesso two arm wall sconces with decorative foliage crosshatched beaded urns, flanking graduated bell flowers, central etched urn...

A rare and exquisite 18th century iron processional sunburst with a painted central image of Holy Mother Mary presenting the rosary to Saint Dominic to one side and Ave Maria to the ...

From the extraordinary collection of Henry Ford II, we present this exceptionally rare pair of original English George III period (1760-1820) jardinières! 18th century, England, hand carved and enameled partial gilt wooden jardinière planters...

Discover Lynnea’s new Architectural Abstract series, where Agnes Martin–inspired shapes float gracefully across textured canvas boards. Each piece is thoughtfully layered with soulfu...

Outstanding 19th century Italian raised gilt gesso and oil painted panel. Very pretty images of leaves, flowers and urns. An exceptional piece!

Large beautifully shaped Friedman Brothers French style wall mirror.

19th Century Japanese Meiji Iki mask A Japanese Meiji period Iki mask dated from the late 19th Century, depicting a dynamic expressive human face, with glass eyes and hair and a burn...

An important Egyptian sarcophagus mask from the Ptolemaic Period (711–332 B.C.), crafted with remarkable artistry and historical significance. Material: Made from stuccoed linen tex...

Beautiful, classic frame gilded with gold leaf, entirely in the typical Baroque style, lavishly decorated with acanthus leaves, vines, flowers, and a dotted pattern all around. Made ...

Beautiful antique wooden Corpus Christi (body of Christ) statue, sculpture, from around the beginning of the 18th century probably Flemish Beautiful wood carving and polychrome (pai...

Elevate your interior with this gorgeous giltwood Italian Hollywood Regency wall mirror, a striking decorative piece that effortlessly blends elegance and versatility. Crafted with a...

K0613  Outstanding English Victorian wall mirror, having original glass with some foxing and imperfections in moulded and ebonised frame with beaded inner and outer edge, cavetto cor...

A substantial American Colonial Revival Federal eagle “bullseye” mirror in gilt wood, dating to the mid-20th century. The shaped crest depicts an American eagle above scrolling acant...

The central tablet depicts the three Graces disarming Cupid. The scene is after a painting by the Neoclassical painter Angelica Kauffman (1741–1807). The Graces steal and break Cupid...

An Attractive Mid 19th Century Early Victorian Period Giltwood And Gesso Circular Convex Mirror, Of Relatively Small Proportions, Having Very Well Carved Eagle On Rocks Bearing Chain...

Italian set of Five death mask Italian death mask cast, circa 1930s. Showing in the 19th century glass country cabinet.The price is only for the mask t...

Monumental Period American Federal gilt wood and gesso convex mirror with a central spread winged Eagle perched to flee on rocky plinth, upper flanking scrolled acanthus foliage, in...

Antique French empire giltwood pier mirror. Circa 1820.

Vintage, fully handcrafted mirror finished with gold leaf. This striking piece features a unique arrangement of geometric wooden rays forming an elegant sunburst design, inspired by ...

A hand carved, gessoed and gilded framed mirror with floral and vine designs. Original glass with age-appropriate spotting and loss of silvering to plates.

This exquisite French Victorian Belle Époque oval mirror, circa 1890, captures the opulence and artistry of the late 19th century. Featuring an elaborately carved giltwood frame, the...

Mid-Century Modern Pierre Cardin Inspired Side Tables, Lacquered Fiber-Cloth Offered for sale is a pair of mid-century modern Pierre Cardin inspired side tables which are covered in...

Italian 19th century oil on canvas titled "The Music Professor" depicting a mid-19th century music-room scene of an elder man, the music professor, holding his violin, hat and umbrel...

Pair of American oil on canvas portraits in the original floral gilt frames and stretchers. South Carolina, Late 18th century. Signed Dr. Anthony Hemingway on re-verso.

Sublime set of eight rare dining chairs featuring hand-carved faux bois gilt twig wood frames designed by Erika Brunson for Dessin Fournir. Crafted in the old world style from beech ...

A fine large French arch top wall or overmantle mirror from the Louis Philippe period. Featuring a moulded surround with a beautiful patinated gold-leaf - the wider scale frame has ...

Beautiful antique painting, a fruit still life against a dark blue background. The painting is painted on canvas, the canvas is pasted on wo...

A gorgeous 19th Century French mirror with a silver leaf frame. Original glass mirror plate and pine backboards. The frame is wood and gesso which has been gilded with silver leaf ...

18th century Italian painted Prussian blue wall mirror of square form, with carved giltwood caryatid side columns and inverted breakfront moulded cornice above. Circa 1780. The Prus...

Raoul Morren, a self-taught artist and curator, explores a spectrum of artistic mediums, including collage, painting, photography, sculpture and video. Drawing profound inspiration f...

Pair of late 19th century Venetian Louis XV style mirrors.Bold hand carved rococo frames with original hand painted and gilded finish.

Large golden pine frame with a beautiful age patina, XL size, entirely in classic Baroque style, decorated with elegant acanthus leaves and patterns, XL size, vintage object from cir...

An 18th century Italian Baroque silver gilt wall mirror, the carved wooden frame with floral and foliate decoration, lion paw feet, overlaid in gesso then silver gilded, there is a b...

Large scale Empire gold gilt and ebony black mirror is a large statement piece. The giltwood finish is complemented by a lovely ebony black washed gesso patina. The neoclassical embo...

A 19th century Louis Philippe French giltwood mirror with gesso flowers in the corners. Beautifully detailed frame with ribbing, wavy rope, inner bead border and decorative outside e...

Outstanding and large water gilded English oval Chippendale style marginal mirror, some slight foxing to parts of the original mirror plate, gilding is excellent, original condition ...

An exceptional, finely crafted hand carved frame with stepped surround and incised foliate scrolled decoration in the corners. The surface with red gesso and applied gilt and silver ...

A most impressive antique Italian Venetian Rococo carved painted parcel gilt wooden hall lantern. Hand carved in the Veneto region (Venice) of Northeast Italy in the 18th / possibly early 19th century, exceptionally executed in the highly ornate, whimsy, light, airy, dramatic splendor that is period late Baroque Rococo style, lavishly ornamented and elaborately sculpted, featuring a large triangular sculptural form enclosing later electrified three faux candle lights, showcasing the original pale pastel green ground adorned with whimsy hand painted polychrome flower motif and ornate giltwood carvings, with beautifully aged patina over the whole. circa 1740-1810 This very large lantern probably graced a sweeping hall or palatial entry of a Venetian aristocratic palazzo decorated with frescoed walls and ceilings, marble floors, surrounded by opulent artwork. Importance / History: For many centuries, the control of artificial light was an important status symbol for people living in most cultures and was an instantly understood sign of wealth and power. Beginning in the early 17th century, grand lanterns such as this were first created and hung in the entrance halls, foyers and/or vestibules of important mansions and manor houses of the aristocratic and affluent classes of Italy, France and Spain. Up until the early 20th century, the entrance hall was considered to be one of the most important spaces in any house. The main reason was that was the most public space in a house, and prior to phones or email, the space into which guests were admitted. Many, such as business people or important tradesmen, seldom went any further into the house. Therefore, that important entryway was designed and decorated with the intent of making the best impression on anyone who might enter it and to ensure they had the highest opinion of the residents of that house. Dimensions: (approx) 32" Tall, 16.75" Wide, 16.75" Deep Condition: Very good antique condition with highly desirable original warm rustic distressed chippy paint patina. Modern lighting and wiring. Lots of antique character and old world European charm, wear consistent with age and use, including scattered minor nicks, losses and exposed gesso adding to the sophisticated whimsical elegance, warmth, and rich antique opulence! Similar to a chandelier / hanging ceiling lamp / monumental pendant light...

Elegant Gilt Ribbon Form Mirror, probably American, circa 1950s. It was recently removed from The Carlyle Hotel in NYC. It measures 41.5" height x 25...

A fine large Louis Philippe arch top wall or overmantle mirror from France, featuring a moulded surround with a beautiful patinated gold-leaf - the outer edge of the frame with a dec...

Ornate gilt mirror, Italian, circa 1950s. Retains warm original patina to both the gilt wood frame and the original mirrored glass.

Spanish Rococo Console Mirror with Crest Eye-catching Rococo Style giltwood mirror with foliage and floral carved details on the frame and striped and scroll decorations. The sinuous...

This beautiful mirror and console table are partially silver leaf gilt and also show the bone color of the gesso. It features rich carved ornaments around the frame and table, such as bay leaf...

Late 19th Century/early 20th century Aesthetic Movement giltwood frame with gilt flower & leaf motif set between a small repeat pattern of crossed square on the inner & outer...

Gesso Pierced Wood Gold Leaf Frame Oval Round Rococo Wall Mirror c1920s MINT!

Restored Victorian painted mirror, with a touch of chippy gesso, which is barely noticeable under the newly painted melon finish. Lightweight, with a flat profile, making this piece ...

A charming French giltwood trumeau mirror with inset portrait of Marie Antoinette (period Louis XVI, circa 1790). The trumeau has a nicely-carved ribbon cartouche with laurel swags, ...

A fine antique English barbola dressing table or vanity oval mirror with easel, circa 1920. This beautiful mirror has beveled glass and is crowned with a gesso floral swag. It would ...

Beautiful antique frame with a print of dancing Greek graces. The frame is made of wood, with refined carving and graceful curls. The wood is decorated with stucco and gilded with gold leaf. The print is also interesting, it is an antique print with beautiful gold print, depicting the dancing graces...

Late 19th century French gilt pine mirror with carved gesso decoration. 1890. Code: 9000 Dimensions: W: 31" (78.7 cm) H: 46" (116.8 cm) D: 2" (5.1 cm)

These chairs are after a model and drawings by Thomas Hope, the famous neoclassic designer of the late 18th and early 19th century England. One of his chairs you can find at the V&A ...

A carved giltwood girandole of early Regency design. The convex mirror plate is within a moulded frame decorated with gilt balls and has a carved eagle crest supported on a tapered b...

Gilt carved wedding mirror. Antique gilt carved and painted gesso mirror in the mannerist style with painted plaster entwined grape leaves and grape clusters border with gilt edges w...

Early 20thC English Barbola oval table mirror adorned with delicate little flowers. This rare Barbola piece retains its original backing & easel. In excellent vintage condition. ...

On offer here is a stunning pair of 100% original gold leaf gilt and polished corner consoles, meticulously hand-carved from solid linden wood. Made in southern France around 1710, t...

Spectacular large Hollywood Regency style gold leaf and ebonized rectangular mirror with bevelled mirror. Can be hung either vertically or horizontally.