Napoleon III Style Huge Wall Mirror In Burnished Brass "Repoussé" Workmanship

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About the Item

We kindly suggest that you read the entire description, as with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Huge and imposing brass plate frame from the Napoleonic era with a central ground mirror whose reflective surface was obtained by the ancient mercury technique; along each side of the frame were placed as many mirrors, with refined and detailed grinding of flowers and leaves meticulously executed by hand. The entire surface of the frame was made by working brass with the "repoussè"(embossing) method. The decorations are exceptionally rich and elaborate, executed in the Rococo style by master chiselers of rare skill, hardly such beautiful ones can be found in a single object; they are also distributed with extreme stylistic elegance. The frame is surmounted by a distinctive triangular rosette enclosing a noble coat of arms surrounded by striking chisels. Embossing (repoussé) is a technique for detecting predetermined drafts, figures, or designs on the surface of a sheet of metal using a special hammer on the back and alternating in the workmanship numerous and special punches (see photo). This workmanship was known since ancient times and was used by the Assyrians, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and later in the Middle Ages. Our frame, after being embossed, was lightly burnished by immersion in a bath of hydrochloric acid and water, then the mirrors were applied and then the frame was fixed on a massive wooden panel. The working of mercury mirrors consisted of laying the metal above a series of layers of tin flattened on the glass, the mercury was then smoothed and polished with a special stone and buffered, the resulting mixture was called "quicksilver." This technique was perfected by Venetian Master Glassmakers (Maestro Dal Gallo 1507); the Serenissima placed the workmanship under secrecy, but in time it leaked out of the city and spread to European nations, first and foremost France: the Mirror Gallery in the Castle of Versailles is decorated with hundreds of mercury mirrors! Our frame was made between 1855 and 1860 on the outskirts of Paris. In the 1800s, Paris was renowned for its workshops specializing in mercury mirror work. The mercury mirror technique, also known as the "Venetian mirror" or "silvered mirror," was a widespread practice for the production of high-quality mirrors. Parisian workshops were known for their mastery of applying mercury to the back of glass to create clear, sharp reflections. This technique required great skill and knowledge of the chemical processes involved. Such workshops and many similar ones in Paris attracted skilled craftsmen from different parts of Europe, creating a vibrant center for the production of mercury mirrors and related frames contributing to the development of the industry; our frame was born in this context. It is a work of the highest decorative level and a precious rarity because of its size and exceptional workmanship, moreover, the presence of the various mirrors in the frame has the ability to transform a room, giving it character and creating interesting and engaging perspective illusions. The frame and mirrors are in good condition. On the back, in recent times, three steel plates were applied to permanently and solidly secure the top of the frame that was only glued; these additions do not aesthetically disturb as they are placed on the back. The mirrors' small imperfections, tiny stains and their surface veiled patina attest to their antiquity and authenticity Measures width cm.63, height cm.97, depth cm.6. For all our shipments we use special packaging materials (wooden crates, styrofoam, etc.) for maximum protection and safety of the objects.

Dimensions:
Height: 38.19 in (97 cm)Width: 24.81 in (63 cm)Depth: 2.37 in (6 cm)
Style:
Napoleon III (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Brass,Mirror,Wood,Hand-Crafted
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
Mid-19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1855-1860
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. The frame is in good condition. On the back, in recent times, three steel plates were applied to permanently and solidly secure the top of the frame that was only glued; these additions do not aesthetically disturb as they are placed on the back.
Seller Location:
Prato, IT
Reference Number:
Seller: 130501stDibs: LU4632236575192

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