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horizontal and overmantel mirrors
LARGE HORIZONTAL MIRRORS AND OVERMANTEL MIRRORS IN GOLD FINISH, MADE IN ITALY The first place we think of placing a mirrors is over the fireplace. For this page we have selected mirrors that will create a perfect over-mantel. All wall mirrors on this page are hand crafted from wood and have a real gold leaf finish. In the late 18th century the invention of overmantel mirrors lunched a major trend in the decoration of private mansions in Europe. Fireplace mantels were lowered and large horizontal mirrors, often in elaborate gold frames, were mounted above them. The facts are confirm to us by the large mirrors over fireplace mantels at the end of 17th century, but over-mantel mirrors became especially widespread during the Regency period. Mirrors framed by gilded wood, richly carved in elaborate designs were placed above fireplace mantels. Candelabras and wall sconces, often mounted on mirrored plates that refracted and multiplied light, framed mirrors and fireplace mantels. Over mantel mirrors became not just a fashionable trend but a testimony of good taste and luxury living. Large horizontal mirrors placed over fireplace mantel became the most delicate invention, providing the most beautiful decorative affects in interior architecture. Mirrors top the list of "must have" luxury home furnishings. Over-mantel mirrors were considered extraordinary embellishments and valued not solely for there size but mostly for there precious elaborately sculpted wooden gilded frames. The mirror craze showed no sign of faltering, instead it grew as the century advanced. An architectural treatise written in 18th century devotes more than ten pages to the indispensable rules governing the installation of the large mirrors. Color, purity, and regularity of over-mantel mirrors had to be checked while mirrors are been assembled, for "it would be ridiculous if a nymph who wanted to consult the charms of her beauty should meet, instead of regular figure, a face that is squashed and crooked". Such infatuation with over mantel mirrors incited an opinion that a home can not be pleasant without a fireplace mantel with a mirror over it. The real estate listings in eightieth century newspapers and magazines always mentioned overmantel mirrors as an added attraction. The provinces were not yet familiar with the refinement of luxury that was the delight of large European cities, so advertisements were especially insistent. Within a few decades, the provinces followed the lead. European aristocrats who frequently visited Versailles and other palaces had undoubtedly brought similar over mantel mirrors into they own surroundings. Ceremonial halls, great rooms and bedrooms were almost always decorated with mirrors above the fireplace and between the windows.
choosing mirrors
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OVER-MANTEL MIRRORS AND HORIZONTAL MIRRORS | |||||
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Tuscan Horizontal Mirror |
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Neapolitan Horizontal Mirror
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Louis XV Horizontal Mirror
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Chippendale Horizontal Mirror |
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Louis XV Over-Mantel Mirror
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Adam style Over-Mantel Mirror
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Overmantel Mirror |
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Louis XV Horizontal Mirror
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HORIZONTAL AND OVER-MANTEL MIRRORS |