Items Similar to Napoleon III Style Huge Wall Mirror In Burnished Brass "Repoussé" Workmanship
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 21
Napoleon III Style Huge Wall Mirror In Burnished Brass "Repoussé" Workmanship
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:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- 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:
About the Seller
5.0
Gold Seller
These expertly vetted sellers are highly rated and consistently exceed customer expectations.
Established in 1977
1stDibs seller since 2019
236 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: PRATO, Italy
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- Napoleon III Style Wall Mirror In Burnished Brass "Repoussé" WorkmanshipLocated in Prato, TuscanyWe 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. Eleg...Category
Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Wall Mirrors
MaterialsBrass
- Napoleon I Empire French Gold Leaf Wood MirrorLocated in Prato, TuscanyWe kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Elega...Category
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Wall Mirrors
MaterialsMercury Glass, Wood
- Napoleon III Style French Dressing Table With Mirror And Faux DrawerLocated in Prato, TuscanyWe kindly suggest that you read the entire description, as with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to ensure the authenticity of our objects. Particu...Category
Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsBronze
- Napoleon III Style French Inkwell Made of Wood, Brass and CrystalLocated in Prato, TuscanyWe kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Orig...Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Inkwells
MaterialsCrystal, Brass
- Napoleon III Style French Opaline Orange Glass Lamp Golden Brass BaseLocated in Prato, TuscanyWe kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Origi...Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Table Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- Napoleon III Style French Lamp In Hand-Painted Opaline GlassLocated in Prato, TuscanyWe kindly suggest that you read the entire description, as with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to ensure the authenticity of our objects. Pleasi...Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Table Lamps
MaterialsOpaline Glass
You May Also Like
- French Napoleon III Brass Repousse Glass MirrorLocated in Barcelona, ESAn elegant Napoleon III mirror made with central glass and four rectangular glasses joined between them by decorative brass repousse foliage floral patterns, an elegant filigree repo...Category
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Wall Mirrors
MaterialsBrass
- 19th Century French Napoleon III Repousse Brass and Ebony Overlay Wall MirrorLocated in Dallas, TXCreated in France, circa 1870, the elegant antique wall mirror is decorated with intricate repousse decor including a cartouche at the pediment featuring a floral vase with foliage a...Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Wall Mirrors
MaterialsBrass
- 19th Century Ornate Brass Repousse Napoléon III Mirror FranceLocated in Vancouver, British ColumbiaBrass work in good condition. Excellent detail with lead backed bevel glass showing originality.Category
Antique 1860s French Napoleon III Wall Mirrors
MaterialsBrass
- 19th Century French Napoleon III Overlay Repousse Copper Wall MirrorLocated in Dallas, TXThis small, elegant Napoleon III copper mirror was crafted in France, circa 1860. The antique wall hanging repousse piece features an ornate, heavily embellished pediment with a large carved shell and other decorative motifs. The central rectangular mirror is flanked by four small mirrors and then an outer frame. The overlay mirror...Category
Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Wall Mirrors
MaterialsCopper
- 19th Century French Napoleon III Octagonal Repousse Brass Beveled Overlay MirrorLocated in Dallas, TXCreated in France, circa 1870, the elegant antique wall mirror is octagonal in shape and decorated with intricate repousse decor around the frame; it includes a large vase cartouche ...Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Wall Mirrors
MaterialsBrass
- Large Repoussé Copper Pareclose Napoleon III Mirror, France, 1890Located in Brussels, BEVery decorative large Napoleon III "repoussé copper" pareclose wall mirror. Mounted on a wood base. Decorated with leaves, flowers ,foliage and putti. Around 1890-France.Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Wall Mirrors
MaterialsCopper
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Antique Photo Wall
Burnished Wood
Antique Stone Wall
Gallery Wall Antique Frames
Coat Of Arms Wall
Wall Steel Panels
Napoleon Plate
Antique Furniture Glue
Antique Wooden Crate Furniture
Antique Small Brass Frame
Embossed Brass Plate
Antique Wall Coat Of Arms
Antique Brass Figures
Antique Brass Hand Mirror
French Drafting
Antique Wooden Wall Panels
Antique Mirror Aesthetic
French Repousse