Mirror

This large, sculptural wall mirror dates to the 1950s and originates from Scandinavia. The designer remains unknown, but the work demonstrates the distinctive formal vocabulary of mid-century decorative arts, blending neoclassical reference with geometric modernist abstraction.

The mirror’s frame is executed in carved wood, articulated with stepped, angular motifs at each corner and along the perimeter. The profile is composed of rhythmically recessed and projecting bands, forming a linear zigzag relief that frames the glass with dynamic spatial rhythm. The surface is finished in a combination of gilt and deep green lacquer, creating a strong contrast between the lustrous metallic leaf and the saturated color field. The gilding, applied over gesso in the traditional manner, exhibits a soft sheen with localized signs of wear consistent with age.

The mirror is in good vintage condition, with visible patina and signs of handling over time. There are minor chips to the lacquer and some wear to the gilded surfaces, which reinforce the authenticity and material history of the object. The original glass remains intact and well-seated within the frame, displaying appropriate aging without cracks.

While unsigned, the mirror’s design shares affinities with the stylized opulence found in Nordic interpretations of neoclassicism during the postwar period. The sharp articulation of the frame elements evokes both baroque ornamentation and the stepped forms of early modernist architecture. The scale and presence of the piece suggest it may have been originally intended for a formal interior or entrance space.

The overall dimensions of the mirror are 68 cm in width, 88 cm in height, and 6 cm in depth (approximately 26.8 x 34.6 x 2.4 inches). Its construction and styling place it firmly within the lineage of Scandinavian mid-century design, where decorative tradition was reinterpreted through a modernist lens.