Belle Epoque Period Gold Leaf Mirror Frame With a Palm Motif, France c.1885

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Belle Epoque Period Gold Leaf Mirror Frame With a Palm Motif, France c.1885

About the Item

A fantastic gilded mirror frame with a naturalistic motif enclosing the original large mirror plate from France c.1885. The frame of this mirror resembles the branches of a tree as it ascends on both sides to form an open medallion at the top formed by a "C" shaped scroll on the left and right that enclose a spray of flower blossoms. The artisan of this piece chose to use the wonderful organic motifs so popular in the eighteenth century in creating this enormous looking glass. Because of the natural change of the seasons spring and summer were highly anticipated and enjoyed every year with reminders of the beauty of nature depicted in paintings as well as decoration in fabrics, seating frames, literally everything in an interior was adorned with some type of reminder that winter would not last forever no matter how cold it was inside. It is easy to forget that before the invention of consistent heating and cooling options one was at the mercy of the weather. Long, cold, dark and dreary winter months seemed interminable in France and elsewhere so interiors were designed and filled with reminders of warmer seasons. This particular piece is outstanding both in its scale and in the fineness of the execution of the natural motifs. Please enlarge the additional photographs to see the details that make this frame delightful including the three dimensional profile. The cartouche at the top is angled forward to stand in front of the frame in order to take advantage of the ambient light in the room. The medallion that frames the flowers is actually pierced and open to the wall behind the mirror in order to take advantage of the light and shadow that plays across the surface and sides of the frame. The actual depiction of the branches and flowers is remarkably true to life as they were meant to simulate accurately a real bundling of leafy branches and open blossoms. The original mirror glass is quite large and along with the fineness of the frame indicate the piece was a true focal point within a prosperous home. As the frame is entirely finished at the base it was always suspended upon the wall over a chest or sideboard or above a fireplace where the lower section of the frame could be seen and admired.

Dimensions:
Height: 71 in (180.34 cm)Width: 41 in (104.14 cm)Depth: 5 in (12.7 cm)
Style:
Belle Époque (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Mirror
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
c.1885
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Please see this item on our website (www.carlmooreantiques.com) where you are able to enlarge the photographs and zoom on the details to see why this is such an exceptional piece of French craftsmanship.
Seller Location:
Houston, TX
Reference Number:
Seller: VLA1471stDibs: LU8668824752