Trumeau Mirror, Louis XVI Style And Napoleon III Period. Nineteenth Century

Here is an example of a "trumeau" mirror from the Napoleon III period (1852-1870) and Louis XVI style. It leaves a large place for the mirror which is not mercury since their production stopped around 1835 during the first times of the Industrial Age. In line with Giorgo Vasari who defined the canons of architecture during the Renaissance of the Cinquecento (16th century), the category of trumeaux initially designates the walls located “between windows”. It is during this period that painters decorate these spaces with frescoes or sculpt them against the light. In the 17th century, the first mercury mirrors occupied these surfaces and took their definitive name of “trumeau”. Taking some liberties with those designed some two hundred years ago, our trumeau presents a grisaille decoration which simulates a "cameo" in its upper part. We see a rural scene in the spirit of Louis XVI (very fashionable under Napoleon III): two cherubs fishing happily under a garland of flowers carved in gilded wood. Above, a knot crowns the trumeau. Louis XVI style beaded frame. Mirror: 90 cm high, 58 cm wide.