PSIQUÉ DRESSING MIRROR. MAHOGANY, BRONZE. 19TH CENTURY.
Antiques - Furniture
Reference: ZE175
Fitting mirror. Mahogany wood, gilt bronze, marble. 19th century. A full-length rectangular mirror of the type known as "psyche" (or a derivative thereof) with a marble base and two small circular tables on either side. These tables have white marble tops, vase-shaped bases with disc moldings, and, at the top, imitation textiles with tassels. The mirror is separated from the wood by a gilded band and flanked by two columns with spirally decorated shafts featuring vegetal motifs and classical capitals. The upper portion is enhanced with a molding and a figurative composition of a lady on a winged chariot holding a torch, accompanied by children and a cornucopia. The lower portion is enhanced with a symmetrical composition of vegetal motifs. Stylistically, the Neoclassical influence is clearly evident in the decorative elements and the composition of the piece, particularly the figure inspired by classical mythology at the top (possibly the goddess Aurora or Eos, or Diana-Artemis, Selene, etc.). A close relationship can be found with examples from the French Empire period, both in the decoration and the lines of the piece. Note, however, that while these full-length mirrors were very common in European palaces, it is less common for them to be presented with two tables for displaying clothing or candlesticks, a detail that enhances this example. The fashion for the full-length mirror was introduced to Spain during the reign of Ferdinand VII. From the hinged, psyche-like mirrors of the early 19th century, the trend shifted to fixed, full-length mirrors, with the addition of supports (usually for light fixtures). Compare with outstanding mirrors such as those preserved in the Museum of Romanticism in Madrid, in the Royal Palace of the same city, or the one preserved in the Cerralbo Museum (inventory VH 0556) from between 1834 and 1866 which has two round auxiliary tables.
· Size: 172x65x292 cms
7.500 €
