I’m Tempted by the Mirror. Symbolism
by pinkagendist
It arrived. When I bought it I’d just seen pictures and hadn’t looked closely at the design. As I sat in front of it yesterday (looking at the carving rather than at myself), the penny dropped. It’s a French ‘marriage mirror’. Something given to a bride on the day of her wedding. There’s a symbolic message in the pediment. Can you guess what it is? It’s quite romantic- I’m tempted to keep it!
The quality of the gilding is outstanding. It has a few points of missing decoration. Fortunately, very easy to repair (circled in red below) and I can do it myself. Having things this size and this delicate transported makes my stomach turn. Literally. I sometimes get so anxious I throw-up during the process (sorry for the visual). So taking it to a restorer would be unnecessary turmoil and I’m pretty good at moulding plaster on wire. Yesterday I did the wire and first layers of plaster. Today I’ll continue building up the plaster and when it’s dry I’ll sand it, apply clay and gild it. It ends up being much more stable (and secure) than carving and attaching wood. We’ll hang it once I’m finished with the restoration, meanwhile, here we are in the entrance hall.
Sooooooo awesome!!!!!!
It’s a nice mirror. I love it
I hope you spent some time looking at yourself!
It’s huge! Where are you going to hang it Pinky? And what’s the ‘message’ on the mirror?
You’re the ONLY ONE who asked…!!!!!!!
Flame (at the upper corners) = eternal
Turtle doves = love
cornucopias = abundance
Eternal Love & Abundance
Oh how lovely! lol I hope the mirrors didn’t crack when people divorced!
Beautiful. I can see why you would want to keep it. The carvings are fabulous. I did not figure out the romantic symbolism, though I imagine it has something to do with hearth and home. Please reveal.
That’s a lovely item
Beautiful mirror!
Gorgeous! Wow.
I’m sorry if this question sounds silly, but after reading most of your posts I’m still not sure what you do exactly? I’ve lots of posts about decorations in your home; table cloths, trees in the garden, new furniture and so on, but still can’t quite understand if you;re an art dealer, or you you just love beautiful old style things?
Thanks in advance for the answer…
Don’t worry, people are often confused about ‘what exactly’ I do
I’m an art-dealer and consultant. I mostly buy and sell, but if someone wants a second opinion on authenticity before they buy something, or they want assistance or guidance putting together a collection, I help with that too.
Sounds very interesting and fun. I love art but I never thought I had the right stuff to be able to buy and sell which contrary to what Cancerians are know for, as good businessmen…
Now I understand all the talk about table cloths and other stuff you’ve posted. My take on it is that I know what I like when I see it, but I never had a drive to seek it out. Once I saw this amazing apartment in Chicago’s lake-front, it been sold for 1.5 mil and decorated in a Japanese style, I found dull, minimalist and boring, all those vases, screens and painted trees