Object of the Day: A Louis Philippe Style Mirror

King of France, Louis Philippe, reigned only from 1830 until 1848. Today, many of us associate him with the style of furniture which carries his name. Louis Philippe furnishings are notable for their simple elegance. A reliance upon soft curving lines, dark woods and gentle plains of molding defines the style.

This Louis Philippe style mantel mirror dates to about 1840. This is an English interpretation of the style popularized in France during the reign of Louis Philippe. In this version, we see that the typical dark walnut and maple has been ebonized and gilt in the fashion poplar in England during that period. While the mirror itself shows the silhouette of a quintessential Louis Philippe mirror with its low basket-handle arch, the styling is typically English. The ebonized part of the frame has been simply adorned with hand-painted stars which are evenly spaced around the arch. The curve of the frame is anchored by ornamental gilt plinths.

The combination of English and French sensibilities of the time makes this mirror quite unique and attractive. Still sporting its original glass, it makes a grand statement no matter where it hangs.