PSIQUÉ DRESSING MIRROR. MAHOGANY, BRONZE. 19TH CENTURY.
Antiques -
Reference: ZE175
Dressing table mirror. Mahogany, gilded bronze, marble. 19th century. Full-length rectangular mirror of the type known as “psyché” (or derived from it) that has a marble base and two circular tables on the sides, these with a white marble top, a vase-shaped foot with disc mouldings and, on the top, imitation textiles with tassels. The mirror has a gold band separating it from the wood, and has been flanked by two columns with a spiral-shaped shaft decorated with plant motifs and classical capitals; the upper part has been enhanced with a moulding and a figurative composition of a winged lady on a chariot holding a torch, accompanied by child figures and a Cornucopia; the lower part has been enhanced with a symmetrical composition based on plant motifs. Stylistically, the Neoclassical influence of the decorative elements and the composition of the piece of furniture can be clearly seen, with the figure inspired by classical mythology on the upper part standing out (it is possible that it is 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 this decoration and in the lines of the piece. Note, however, that these full-length mirrors were very common in European palaces, but it is not so common for them to be presented with two tables to support clothing items or candelabras, a detail that is enhanced by the present example. The fashion of the full-length mirror was introduced in Spain during the reign of Ferdinand VII. From the swinging psyche mirrors of the early 19th century, the full-length fixed mirrors were later adopted, adding supports (normally for lighting). Compare this 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 side tables.
· Size: 172x65x292 cms
7.500 €
