Antique mid 18th century Palladian style pine overmantel mirror

A substantial and highly decorative Palladian-style architectural overmantel mirror, finely constructed in pine and retaining a wonderfully aged, dry surface and warm natural patina.

The imposing architectural frame is centred by a large rectangular mirror plate, surrounded by bold stepped and moulded geometric framing. The flanking pilasters are particularly attractive, each enriched with finely carved trailing flowers, foliage and tied ribbons, giving the piece an elegant neoclassical character.

Above, the overmantel is surmounted by a dramatic broken triangular pediment, centred by a carved cartouche with scrolling ornament and floral swags. The combination of classical architectural proportions and delicate carved decoration is strongly evocative of the Palladian and Georgian tradition.

The old mirror plate has extensive foxing, silvering losses and atmospheric ageing, which gives the piece considerable character and should, in my view, be retained rather than restored. The pine likewise shows attractive variation in colour and wear consistent with age.

An impressive architectural overmantel of unusually grand scale, ideally suited to positioning above a large Georgian or neoclassical fireplace.

Circa 1880