Epochal mirrors

History of the mirror

People have always been drawn to their own reflection. Exquisitely decorated hand mirrors have been known as far back as ancient Egypt. The earliest glass mirrors were made in Nurnberg, Germany, in the 1300s whereas the production of mirrors of the size and quality we know today took hold in the 1600s with the invention of mercury mirrors and the technique of creating plate glass, i.e. mirror glass. Until then smaller panes of glass had been used that were made by stretching hand-blown glass while still hot.

Up through the ages wall-hanging mirrors have served other purposes than simply reflecting the image of their owners. They have enhanced the light in dimly lit rooms and allowed servants a better view of the dining table.

The mirror frame

When looking at a mirror your attention is often directed towards the frame. Initially mirror frames followed the style of picture frames but over the ages they developed genres of their own which were often more opulent than those of picture frames.

The style of the frame is indeed indicative of the era in which it is created. Baroque frames were often made of different kinds of materials and wood and lavishly decorated. Rococo mirrors were narrower in their choice of material and were often gilt. And the top piece was generally adorned with the characteristically sinuous rocaille, floral decorations, fruit, or putti. Neoclassical mirrors and those of the Empire style embody a sense of restrained majesty, reflecting the ideals of the time. The mirrors of this epoch were often painted or gilt and sometimes rendered in mahogany with pale-hued wooden inlay or gilt cast bronze decoration.

Today, older mirrors are more popular than ever. Not only as part of classical interiors but also in modern environments. What is special about mirrors is that they are not only decorative in their own right but also reflect their surroundings. That way the present and past is mirrored beautifully in a single object.

For the late summer mirror auction we are currently seeking the consignment of older mirrors of all kinds. You are very welcome to visit our valuation office during our regular opening hours from Monday to Saturday or send us a photo by email.

Please note that mirrors are to be consigned by 4 September. They will hereafter be featured on the Bruun Rasmussen website for three weeks with a sales date of 28 September.