An 18th Century Giltwood Pier Mirror

A fine Gustavian Period giltwood pier mirror, the cresting and apron with elaborate carving, having two mirror plates in the traditional manner.

‘Gustavian’ furniture came into being after the Swedish King Gustav III visited Versailles. Known for funding the arts and culture, the King took inspiration from the French. The economic growth Sweden experienced during the 18th century allowed for the style to be adopted across the country and late Rococo pieces such as this led on to Classical designs with which King Gustav’s reign is most closely associated.

This carved giltwood mirror is symmetric in form and rational in design. The roses framing it symbolise love, empathy and compassion. The slender shape suggests that it was made to be hung on a wall between two windows, most probably in a grand salon.