Antique Mirrors: Reflecting on the Past

What began as a rudimentary hand-held accessory facilitating a fascination with the ’self’, became a illustrious historical thoroughbred – knocking down Kings and romancing Queens in the 17th century and moving on to become a design staple of the 18th and 19th centuries, and even, many would say, a work of art. Examples of these intriguing antique mirrors, particularly from the mid to late 19th century, can still be found today and their stories persevere and are as relevant as ever. Steeped in history, mirrors have evolved through the centuries to become a much sought-after acquisition in the world of antiques

Mirrors originated during the time of the ancient Mediterranean civilizations (the invention of the mirror was attributed to the Greek god Hephaistos – the god of fire and metal) and began as very small disks made of polished metals or precious stones, and likely either concave or convex in orientation. During Roman times, mirrors rapidly became more functional and increased in size from hand-held orientation to mid and full lengths. The most notable metal was silver polished to a high shine. The use of polished metal and precious stones would continue largely throughout the Middle ages.

By the late 15th century it was the Venetians who are credited with refining the difficult process of creating clear glass. And it was the French who are credited with creating glass capable of being molded flat without irregularities (glass blowing). Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, the craftsmen of Venice became known as the masters, producing finely crafted and highly sought-after glass “plates” silvered with tin and mercury. The Venetians monopoly on the techniques (and materials) required for the manufacture of these mirrors led King Louis XIV of France to steal craftsmen away to help implement his third building campaign for the Palace of Versailles – this was the famous Hall of Mirrors. Rumor also has it that the Venetians learned of the craftsmen’s betrayal and had at least two assassinated so that they’re glass-making techniques would not be shared with the world.

Toward the end of the 17th century Venetian glass (and Venetian glass-making techniques) had spawned a craze for mirrors within the royal houses of Europe, and chamber mirrors became a fashion rage put up on the pedestal previously held only by rare gems, paintings and tapestries. Royal fortunes were literally squandered in the quest for Venetian mirrors.

On the domestic front, mirrors, in the select homes who could afford the luxury, in the early 17th century were found in the bedroom. But rapid spread of the “movement” during the mid-17th century, coupled with a release of the Venetian monopoly on mirror techniques, allowed mirrors of various sizes and designs to become far more common and integrated into many other rooms of the house: the mirror had emerged as an interior design element.

Mirror frames could be beautifully crafted ornate works made from a variety of materials including precious metals, ebony and veneered and gilded woods. The carvings could be exquisite and added to the dramatic presentation of the mirror as a design element. But mirror frames incorporated the style of furniture en vogue at the time, and most often this was influenced by royal direction. As such, styles ranged from the imposed formality of Louis XIV to the clean lines of Louis XVI. As the monarchy crumbled and residences became less grandiose, new scales and styles flowed. These styles have persevered in furniture design with modern reproductions adhering to form and function; but modern mirror styles, almost thankfully, have not. And this is what makes good antique mirrors an essential and distinguished design element.

Tags: Antique Mirror, Antique Mirrors, Antiques, Mirror, mirrors