19th-century Bridal Globe

Napoleonic-era bridal globe, dating from the 19th century, originating from France.

This is a highly symbolic object, typical of French wedding tradition, made of glass, gilded metal, and ornamental fabric, now partially faded with time but still in good overall condition.
Cardboard panels have been added to the back and the base to support the structure.

Dimensions: H 36 cm, W 24 cm, D 16 cm

The globe de mariée, literally "bride's globe", was a traditional artifact used in France (especially during the Second Empire, the Napoleonic era) to preserve and celebrate the memory of a wedding.
Often displayed in the living room or bedroom, it housed bridal mementos such as wax orange blossom crowns, dried bouquets, photographs, rings, and small symbolic objects in gilded metal — all arranged on a velvet or silk base.

Each element inside the globe carried specific meaning: the central mirror reflected the bride’s soul; birds symbolized marital love; oak branches represented strength, and laurel branches loyalty.
It was a kind of domestic shrine to the union, crafted with care by the bride or her family, and passed down as a memory object.

This piece is perfect for collectors of antique items related to family rituals, devotional art, romantic mourning culture, and 19th-century marriage symbolism.

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