19th Century French Napoleon III Trumeau Mirror With Aesop’s “The Fox and the Grapes” Oil Painting, C. 1860 [Ks]

Details

Description

A striking and substantial French Napoleon III trumeau mirror, circa 1860, featuring an original oil-on-canvas painting above a large period … Read more A striking and substantial French Napoleon III trumeau mirror, circa 1860, featuring an original oil-on-canvas painting above a large period mirror.

The upper panel depicts Aesop’s fable “The Fox and the Grapes,” with a fox beneath a grapevine surrounded by an elaborate arrangement of colorful flowers. The painting is framed with beautifully detailed gilt molding and decorative carved elements, including floral rosettes and a central crest.

The trumeau retains its original painted and gilded finish, with the soft green ground providing a wonderful contrast to the aged gold ornamentation. The mirror plate also appears to be original, showing areas of characteristic darkening and silver loss consistent with 19th-century mirror glass.

In gorgeous antique condition overall, with minor chips, scratches, surface wear, and losses consistent with approximately 165 years of age. These imperfections contribute beautifully to its authentic patina. Substantial in scale and presence, the piece is wired on the reverse for hanging.

A truly exceptional decorative statement piece for a French, European, traditional, or collected interior.

France, circa 1860
Napoleon III Period
Materials: Oil on canvas, mirror glass, wood, paint and gilding
Dimensions: 63” H × 45” W See less