Museum-quality elegant 17th-Century hand-carved oak wall mirror. High-quality Louis XIV period framing with silver leaf gilding in "a la Berain" carved design. The silver leaf has worn through to expose the reddish-brown "bole" or gilder's clay. Original mercury mirror insert. This mirror is an incredible decorative piece for a dressing room or a living room.
About:
In the 17th century, the frames were assembled in the corners. The wooden elements are not glued but shaped with a "key" assembly. This is called a "key frame."
Those keys are usually in oak wood and are positioned perpendicular to the cutting of the sides. In the back of the frame, the wood is raw and unfinished, and traces of non-mechanical tools may appear.
Patina must be natural: Named "hare dress," it is usually dark brown or beige and is not uniform.
(Ambiance picture might not have the exact actual size of the mirror).