Grand 19th Century French Empire Gilded Mirror

Grand 19th Century French Empire Gilded Mirror is a spectacular representation of the style!  This example dates to the Second Empire during the reign of Napoleon III, and features a grand expression of the style originated during his uncle's reign, who most experts agree was really conceived by Josephine, not Napoleon himself.  Classical architecture is melded with accents that include ancient Egyptian motifs to create the style, all of which is evidenced in this wonderful keepsake.  Topped with a bold angular pediment open at the apex whereupon a pair of cherubs appear flanking a beautiful Grecian urn with floral garlands and ribbon.  The egg & dart molded detail on the arches is repeated on the horizontal crown, under which appear intertwined foliates and florals for a captivating touch.  On each corner at the top are anthemions atop scrolls creating a finial effect.  The arched, beveled mirror dominates the entire work, providing a huge reflective surface, and surrounded by fine molded detail with complementary intertwined foliates appearing in the voids flanking the arch of the glass.  A pair of amazingly intricate columns flank the mirror and create the cornerposts, with elaborate Corinthian capitals, long tapered and fluted shafts, and astoundingly detailed bases with spiral beading, acanthus plumes and a finishing fluted pediment, with beveled molding as the final base that stretches the width of the work.  Truly a textbook example of the genre!
Circa 1870s
Measures 94H x 48W x 6D