Napoleon III Giltwood Mirror
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This incredibly large Napoleon III mirror stands over seven feet tall
Key Features
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- A large and elaborate Napoleon III-period mirror
- The carved wooden frame features its original gilding
- Large mirrors such as this were considered luxuries only for the very wealthy
- Circa 1860
- 51" wide x 88" high
Item Details
- Width:
51 Inches - Height:
88 Inches
Grand size and an elaborately hand-carved frame set this exceptional Napoleon III-period mirror apart from all others. The frame is distinguished by its original gilding and intricate figural elements inspired by classical design. The magnificent size, expertly executed woodwork and beautiful condition of this mirror make it a prized specimen of 19th-century French design. Costly and labor-intensive to produce, mirrors such as this were considered luxury items, their ownership limited to an exclusive few. The finest were made by the best craftsmen in the area and to find one in such superb condition is truly rare.
Largely due to the influence of Emperor Napoleon III, who wished to have his name associated with the classical grandeur of Rome and cement his place in French history, the decorative style of this period, known as the Second Empire, is distinguished by a vast mixture of styles from previous centuries. Eclecticism reigned as craftsmen revisited the most opulent styles from decades past and created their own elaborate versions. Artisans were inspired by the Renaissance, Henri II furniture, Boulle furniture of the Baroque period, Rococo and Neoclassical Louis XVI furniture. Inspiration also came from the Near and Far East, as the treasures of China, Japan and Constantinople made their way to Europe.
Circa 1860
51" wide x 88" high
Largely due to the influence of Emperor Napoleon III, who wished to have his name associated with the classical grandeur of Rome and cement his place in French history, the decorative style of this period, known as the Second Empire, is distinguished by a vast mixture of styles from previous centuries. Eclecticism reigned as craftsmen revisited the most opulent styles from decades past and created their own elaborate versions. Artisans were inspired by the Renaissance, Henri II furniture, Boulle furniture of the Baroque period, Rococo and Neoclassical Louis XVI furniture. Inspiration also came from the Near and Far East, as the treasures of China, Japan and Constantinople made their way to Europe.
Circa 1860
51" wide x 88" high
