Gilded Art Nouveau Mirror

The mirror had old repairs which included fill-ins which were not consistent with original materials and a re-painted surface with a gold paint that oxidized and changed to dark brown-green color. All inconsistent and foreign material were removed. The loose elements were glued back and loose sections of gesso were consolidated; some sections were slightly sanded to remove deep abrasions (from old repairs). Where new gesso was needed a mixture of calcium carbonate and rabbit skin size (glue) were applied. Areas of loss were rebuilt to meet the existing profiles and sections of ornament that had missing details. The missing pieces were either re-cast or built up with gesso and carved back to blend with the original compositions. After completing the restoration of the frame, it was prepared for gilding by application of bole. A few coats of yellow and one coat of red bole were brushed and smoothed on. Bole and gesso work together to and make it possible to burnish the gold leaf to a mirror shine after the leaf has been laid. Burnishing is done with a polished agate stone tool that comes in a variety of profiles to work on all carved surfaces. The gold leaf applied was a twenty three carat Italian leaf made by Giusto Manetti in Florence. Click here to return to the main portfolio page.