The warmth of solid walnut and the grace of fluid lines come together in this elegant full-length mirror from the Art Nouveau period. Combining decorative craftsmanship with practical scale, it reflects a moment when furniture became a canvas for natural beauty and movement.

Design

Carved and veneered in richly toned walnut, the mirror features a tall, upright frame crowned with a sculptural openwork crest. Its contours are softened by gentle curves and adorned with inlaid floral marquetry, sinuous stems and blooming irises that trace across the corners and shoulders of the piece. These botanical motifs are emblematic of the Art Nouveau ethos, where organic shapes and ornamentation sought to blur the boundaries between design and nature. The detailing is especially refined in the upper panel, where cut-out forms echo vines or branches twisting in silhouette, allowing light and wall colour to subtly interact with the frame. Likely French or Belgian in origin, this piece dates from around 1900 and may be attributed to a cabinetmaker influenced by the School of Nancy, though no maker’s mark has been identified. The mirror itself has aged beautifully, with softening to the silvering that enhances its period charm. Such mirrors were often placed in bedrooms or dressing rooms, but this example would also sit confidently in a hallway or living room, offering height and presence to any vertical space.

A mirror that reflects more than just the room, it captures a philosophy of design rooted in nature and craftsmanship.

Condition

The overall condition is good. The wood shows a warm patina and subtle wear to the finish. The glass has signs of age-related oxidation but no cracks.

Note - we have used AI to generate an inspiration picture featuring this vintage piece. This is not a true depiction of the item.