Antique French Giltwood Napoleon III Parcloses Mirror, Circa 1860

An elegant French mirror from the reign of Napoleon III (circa 1860), this giltwood mirror has an oval central reflective glass surrounded by four shaped parcloses. One of the hallmarks of Napoleon III furniture (also known as The Second Empire style) is the utilization of all available space, as evidenced by the lifelike carvings inspired by nature. Notice the wonderful, scalloped shell crest inside of a pierced, scrolled console. Floral margents embellish the ends of the console, running across the top of the frame, before terminating next to the canted upper corners that are filled with elaborately curled leaves. Similar leaves can be seen at the bottom corners, climbing like a vine up a carved molding of egg and dart that surrounds the entire mirror. An identical egg and dart border encircles the main oval mirror, followed by a cavetto cornice and a ring of beading. Rigged for hanging purposes, our exquisite giltwood Napoleon III parcloses mirror would make a wonderful addition to any wall of the house, from a boudoir to a hallway or living room.