Swedish Antique Mirrors
Period 18th Century Danish or Swedish Mid-18th Century Pier Mirror
A small Swedish Gustavian giltwood mirror, Late 18th Century
Swedish mirrors have undergone a number of styles since they were introduced in the country in the 1600s.
German glass makers helped to lead the way, and they created mirrors in the baroque style of their home country. This included carved frames and a single pane of glass. Carvings could be simple or ornate, and frames could be square or rectangle, as seen in this mirror From Cupboards and Roses
Mirrors could also be made more ornate by hanging a curtain over them. This added a bit of flair and formality to the mirror.
A century or so later, more people began acquiring mirrors and the style switched to that of Swedish Rococo. This style featured carvings of shells or arabesques, and the frames were gilded and asymmetrical.
Shortly thereafter, another style evolved. The Gustavian style saw mirrors that were influenced by neoclassical aesthetics. Frames were richly carved and featured intricate leaves, ribbons and crests.
These neoclassical mirrors feature a pair of sphinxes on each mirror on either side of a fruit-bearing
pedestal.
By the early 19th century, the aesthetic was changing again. Roman and Egyptian influences made themselves known, and mirrors featured carvings of things such as lions, sphinxes, and griffins. The frames also took on a distinctive shape, with semi-circular domes at the top and straight edges along the bottom.
This Swedish pier mirror, shows neoclassical details inspired by Napoleon’s Egyptian campaign.
By the middle of the century, mirrors became much more common in everyday households, and production methods became more base. Decoupaged frames became common, or they were veneered.
The style evolution of Swedish antique furniture mirrors was influenced by a number of factors, and it produced some gorgeous mirrors that make excellent collector’s items now.
What is your favorite style of Swedish antique furniture mirror? Share your thoughts or your finds in the comments!
About the Author:
Alexis Bonari writes for one of the largest open databases of college funding opportunities. Specific topics like scholarships for cosmetology school are described in detail to provide multiple resources for students.
Swedish Transition Rococo/ Gustavian Mirror
Turn Of The Century Apartment In Sweden- Interior Design Files
This fine Swedish Adolf Fredrik period rococo gilt wood mirror has carved C-scrolls and foliate motifs.
Swedish Rococo Mirror with gold leaf on wood carved frame and a mirrored
inner frame. Stamped NM (Niklas Meunier), active between 1754-1797.
Parlor Table Gustavian Style
Wedding at Trollenas Castle (Trollenäs Slott) in southern Sweden
Swedish neoclassic console and mirror. The console having a veined white marble top above a frieze with carved foliate motifs and a central medallion, sitting on tapered fluted legs.The rectangular mirror having a plate within a robed border surmounting a rectangular top crest and medallion within foliate ribbon.
de Gournay Wallpaper
Danish Rococo Mirror 1750– Dietrich Schäffer, born 1730 in Keyla, Thuringia – died 1778, was a German Royal Court carpenter employed at the Danish Court in Copenhagen in the 18th Century. He was one of the main Rococo furniture artists of the time.
Lars Sjöberg and his Swedish manor Ekensberg- World Of Interiors Fall 2008
A Swedish Rococo gitwood mirror, Third Quarter 18th Century, the divided mirror plate surrounded by a molded giltwood frame with a beveled glass panel, surmounted with a pierced shell, foliate and scrolled crest, the lower section with similar carving.
A Superb Swedish Rococo Gold Gilt Mirror circa 1760
Swedish Interiors- Originally Uploaded From Kristin Fägerskjöld on Pinterest
French Directoire Period Giltwood Trumeau Mirror-A petit French Directoire period giltwood trumeau mirror with sheath of wheat cartouche and other neoclassical detailing (Circa 1790). Nice old mercury glass.
Petit Louis XVI Period Giltwood Trumeau Mirror-A petit French Louis XVI period giltwood mirror with a pair of doves and wreath cartouche, laurel leaves and other neoclassical detailing, and nice old mercury glass (“trumeau de marriage”) (Circa 1780).
Swedish Interiors- Originally Uploaded From Kristin Fägerskjöld on Pinterest
Gustaviansk crested with wheat signed Johan Åkerblad, Stockholm circa 1760- Gustavian Mirrors
Quiet luxury inspired by 18th-century Sweden
Light - Patina - Heritage
