Known as a miroir à parcloses, this oval giltwood mirror with musical trophy décor was hand-carved in France, circa 1860. The mirror dates to the reign of Napoleon III (sometimes referred to as Second Empire), a time when decorative elements were quite large to take advantage of all available space. Napoleon III pieces were inspired by motifs of its predecessors, from the Renaissance to the Empire period.

The center mirror has a beveled edge and is surrounded by a thin ring of beading followed by widely spaced gadrooning (Neoclassical and Renaissance motifs, respectively). Surrounding the main mirror is a second oval mirror, also with beveled glass. The thinner secondary mirror is interrupted by several carvings of musical trophies and fruit bunches. It is these segmented sections of mirror that are considered the “parcloses”. Beyond the musical trophies and fruit bunches is an outer ring of spiral fasces (popular in the Empire period) separated by acanthus leaves. At the top of this border is a large, attenuated leaf crown surrounded by C-scrolls. A foliate and floral margent cascades down the sides of the mirror, terminating at the widest part of the frame.

A beautiful example of Napoleon III craftsmanship, our giltwood oval mirror has a large presence. It would be the focal point of any room it is placed in, especially in a grand foyer or entry hall or master bedroom.

CONDITION: Good antique condition with minor rubs and age separations to the giltwood frame. The mirrored sections have losses to silvering, which is highly sought after. Additional light buildup to some areas of the mirrors.