Regence Style Gold Leaf Pareclose Mirror, France, circa 1890

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French Regence Period Mirror, 18th Century

About the Item

Régence Style Gold Leaf Pareclose Mirror, France c.1890. This mirror has an architectural impression because of its origin from the Régence period in France between the reign of Louis XIV and Louis XV (1715-1723) when the design of furnishings followed the broad outlines of the buildings being constructed in order to create a harmonious balance between the exterior and interior. The tall and slender proportions of this mirror lead the eye to the top where the focus is on the cartouche centred upon a pair of doves with outstretched wings. Please note how one dove is slightly higher than the other with the head of each bird inclined toward one another in a gesture of tenderness and care. This motif of a pair of doves resonates throughout France as a symbol of marital fidelity and harmony and was often included on furnishings that were given as gifts to celebrate a wedding and union of two families. The use of large branches of oak leaves set behind the doves reinforces the illusion of birds in flight and adds to the sculptural impression given by the birds. The open scrolled flourishes seen at each of the four corners of the frame add to the lightness of the mirror and contrast well with the ribbon twist pattern that makes up the outer rectangular border of the frame. The central mirror plate has a distinctive shape with an arched top that follows the shape of the frame and it is surrounded by six separate pieces of mirror in an arrangement known as "a pare close". Please notice the six flared shield shaped medallions placed between the outer border and inner border as these are necessary components of the frame as they conceal the joining of the separate pieces of mirror glass. They are highly decorative in their own right while serving an essential role in the overall mirror. The inner border that frames the central glass features a motif known as "les perles" in France because it resembles a strand of matched pearls. Until the invention of manmade cultured pearls this jewel was the most highly prized possession of the wealthy as pearls could only be obtained at the greatest expense of labour and time. Every person was aware of the value of pearls and it was recognized everywhere as a symbol of luxury. All seven mirror plates are original and contain the minor imperfections that identify antique mirror. The proportions of this mirror are quite elegant from its overall shape to the scale of the separate framing elements to the cartouche and as such makes the mirror an excellent example of French artistry that remains as desirable today as it has been for centuries.

Dimensions:
Height: 61 in (154.94 cm)Width: 36 in (91.44 cm)Depth: 6 in (15.24 cm)
Style:
Régence (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Gilt
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
1880-1889
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1890
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Houston, TX
Reference Number:
Seller: PMA521stDibs: LU86681724242

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