Object of the Day: An Antique Mirror in Napoleon III Style

This antique mirror comes from France and dates to 1840-1850. The style of the mirror can be described as Napoleon II. With its polychrome gesso frame, gilt details and segmented pediment, the design shows signs of Second Empire ideals, but also speaks of a transitional style between major artistic movements.


The frame is quite interesting with its mix of colors. Black, red, purple, blue and green leap out from an ebonized maple base and are elevated by gold volutes at the edges and the crest. The glass itself has been etched. While some of the silvering on the reverse has been lost over time, the mirror is still in excellent condition.

A mirror such as this one wasn’t designed for a grand home, but rather meant to be enjoyed by the merchant class of France who had the taste for the finer things, but not necessarily the means to procure them. Such an object would have added a welcome bit of color and sparkle to any home—as it does today.