Items Similar to Antique 19th century French gold leaf gilt and polished Louis Philippe mirror
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 14
Antique 19th century French gold leaf gilt and polished Louis Philippe mirror
About the Item
This mirror is a stunning example of an antique French Louis Philippe mirror, crafted around 1850, a period known for its subtle blend of craftsmanship and refined aesthetics. The frame is entirely gilded with gold leaf, applied over a traditional red bole base—a technique typical of the 19th century that enhances the warmth and richness of the gold. The gilding has been polished with an agate stone, giving the surface its characteristic deep metallic luster. In the engraved areas, the polishing was slightly more intense, allowing the red bole to subtly shine through—an elegant touch that adds depth and nuance to the surface.
The frame features a richly decorated convex-concave profile, characteristic of the Louis Philippe style, adorned with engraved floral motifs that lend it a delicate yet understated charm. The condition of the gilding is remarkably good, showing minimal signs of wear, which is rare for a piece of this age.
The mirror glass is original and was silvered using silver nitrate, a chemical process common before the advent of modern silvering techniques. The glass displays a few minor age spots, which add authenticity and charm to the piece. The backing is made of original pinewood, further confirming the mirror’s authenticity.
Historical Background and the Louis Philippe Style
The Louis Philippe period (1830–1848), named after King Louis-Philippe I of France, marked a transitional era between the ornate 18th-century styles (such as Louis XV and Louis XVI) and the more modest, bourgeois aesthetics of the 19th century. In the decorative arts, this era reflected a return to simplicity, symmetry, and function, while still maintaining a high standard of craftsmanship. Furniture and mirrors from this period are less extravagant than earlier styles, yet rich in subtle detail—often with curved lines, soft contours, and restrained ornamentation like floral engravings.
Mirrors from this period typically feature a flat bottom and rounded top, as seen in this example. This shape gives the mirror a calm, balanced look that fit perfectly within the comfortable, elegant homes of France’s rising middle class. Unlike the more aristocratic grandeur of previous styles, Louis Philippe pieces are more approachable, designed for refined domestic living.
Condition
This mirror has been carefully cleaned in the workshop. The back panel was temporarily removed to dismantle the glass plate and gently clean the entire piece—a respectful process that preserves the antique character. The glass was then securely reinstalled, and the back was reattached to ensure both aesthetics and structural integrity.
Conclusion
This Louis Philippe mirror from around 1850 is an exceptionally well-preserved piece, where craftsmanship, style, and history come together beautifully. It embodies the elegant restraint of mid-19th-century France and, thanks to its excellent condition—both in the gilded frame and the original glass—it is a valuable addition to any classic or eclectic interior.
- Dimensions:Height: 38.78 in (98.5 cm)Width: 29.34 in (74.5 cm)Depth: 1.78 in (4.5 cm)
- Style:Louis Philippe (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1850
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Casteren, NL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU970945021872
About the Seller
4.9
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 1975
1stDibs seller since 2013
424 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Casteren, Netherlands
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllAntique 19th Century Gold Leaf Gilt French Louis Philippe Mirror
Located in Casteren, NL
This beautiful and tall antique French mirror is completely gold leaf gilt and is made in Louis Philippe style with it's typical rounded upper corners. The mirror frame has a classic...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Wall Mirrors
Materials
Gold Leaf
$3,293 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique 19th century Small French Worn Gold Leaf Gilt Louis Philippe Mirror
Located in Casteren, NL
On offer here is a beautiful small antique mirror that was made in France in the second half of the 19th century, around 1880. The mirror frame has the upper rounded corners typical ...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis Philippe Wall Mirrors
Materials
Gold Leaf
$1,530 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique 19th century French cross engraved Gold leaf gilt Louis Philippe mirror
Located in Casteren, NL
Elegant Louis Philippe mirror with its original gilding, made in France around 1850. The mirror features the characteristic rounded top corners and flat bottom, typical of the period...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis Philippe Wall Mirrors
Materials
Gold Leaf
Antique 19th-century Dated French Wheatered Gold Leaf Gilt Louis Philippe Mirror
Located in Casteren, NL
This antique French mirror, dated April 22, 1882, is a characteristic piece in the Louis Philippe style. The mirror features the typical rounded upper corners and is entirely gilded ...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Louis Philippe Wall Mirrors
Materials
Gold Leaf
Antique 19th Century Gold Gilt French Louis Philippe Mirror with Rope and Tassel
Located in Casteren, NL
This is a rare large gold leaf gilt mirror that was made in northern France in the late 19th century.
It features the upper rounded corners typical for the Louis Philippe style. Th...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis Philippe Wall Mirrors
Materials
Gold Leaf
$5,566 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique mid 19th century Pale Gold Silvered French Louis Philippe Mirror
Located in Casteren, NL
On offer here is a tall and slender French Louis Philippe mirror, that dates from the mid-to-late 19th century. It showcases the hallmark features of the Louis Philippe period, inclu...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis Philippe Wall Mirrors
Materials
Silver Leaf
You May Also Like
19th Century Louis Philippe Gilt Wood Beaded Mirror Gold Leaf French Antique
Located in Milano, IT
This exquisite 19th-century Louis Philippe gilt wood mirror from France features a beautifully crafted gold leaf finish with delicate beaded detailing around the frame. Reflecting th...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace ...
Materials
Gold Leaf
19th century French silver leaf gilt mirror Louis Philippe
Located in SON EN BREUGEL, NL
A pretty 19th century French mirror Louis-Philippe with its original antique glass and silver leaf gilding.
The frame is etched with foliate motifs and has a beaded edge.
The mirror ...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Wall Mirrors
Materials
Wood
19th century gold leaf gilt French mirror Louis Philippe with a crest
Located in SON EN BREUGEL, NL
A wonderful 19th century gilded French mirror with its original slightly foxed antique glass and a beautiful crown.
The crown is decorated with flowers, leaves, C-scrolls and bunches...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Wall Mirrors
Materials
Gold Leaf
French 19th Century Gold Gilt Louis Philippe Mirror
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This Louis Philippe-style mirror from the mid to late 1800s France shows great expression in every detail. The wide, rectangular frame is rounded on the corners and is symmetrical to...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Wall Mirrors
Materials
Gold
19th Century French Louis Philippe Gold Leaf Giltwood Mirror
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Lovely French decorative Louis Philippe mirror with beautiful gold gilt finish, original slight red undertones and a beautiful bar pattern.
#5456
Category
Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Wall Mirrors
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
French 19th Century Louis Philippe Gilt Mirror
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Tall and slender leaves in matte and polished gold unfurl across the carved giltwood frame of this Louis Philippe mirror. The Japonisme influence is lightly concealed by oxidation an...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Wall Mirrors
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
