The era of French history that coincides with the reign of Napoleon III is sometimes referred to as The Second Empire to differentiate between his rule and that of his synonymous uncle. This pair of large gold leaf mirrors, which date to circa 1860, were hand-carved during The Second Empire.

Each mirror has a central beveled piece of glass surrounded by a rectangular border of beading. Four, angled parcloses mirrors encircle the molding, with each pane separated by a flowering leaf stalk. The edges of the frame are formed by bundled fasces dotted with flowers, and segmented and curled foliage. At the top is a massive crest consisting of floral margents and more leaf curls emanating from a central pierced leaf with a pair of sweeping scrolls. The bottom of the frame is also embellished with a pierced, foliate shell with leafy terminals. The carvings are exquisite, with the gold leaf finish accentuating the master-level woodworking. Our Napoleon III mirrors would make wonderful additions to a grand entry, a living room, or bedroom suite.

CONDITION: Good antique condition. Slight age separations to the frames, with minor nicks and losses. Light losses of silvering to glass and visible traces of red bole to frames, both of which are desired traits for antique mirrors. Presence of old touch-ups to gold leaf.