Mechanical Dressing Table Mirror, Also Known As A “table Mirror” Or “barber’s Mirror,” Empire Style (circa 1805–1810)

Mechanical Dressing Table Mirror, Also Known As A “table Mirror” Or “barber’s Mirror,” Empire Style (circa 1805–1810)-photo-2

Mechanical Dressing Table Mirror, Also Known As A “table Mirror” Or “barber’s Mirror,” Empire Style (circa 1805–1810)-photo-3

Mechanical Dressing Table Mirror, Also Known As A “table Mirror” Or “barber’s Mirror,” Empire Style (circa 1805–1810)-photo-4

Mechanical Dressing Table Mirror, Also Known As A “table Mirror” Or “barber’s Mirror,” Empire Style (circa 1805–1810)-photo-1

Mechanical Dressing Table Mirror, Also Known As A “table Mirror” Or “barber’s Mirror,” Empire Style (circa 1805–1810)-photo-5

Mechanical Dressing Table Mirror, Also Known As A “table Mirror” Or “barber’s Mirror,” Empire Style (circa 1805–1810)-photo-6

Mechanical Dressing Table Mirror, Also Known As A “table Mirror” Or “barber’s Mirror,” Empire Style (circa 1805–1810)-photo-7

Mechanical Dressing Table Mirror, Also Known As A “table Mirror” Or “barber’s Mirror,” Empire Style (circa 1805–1810)-photo-8

Mechanical Dressing Table Mirror, Also Known As A “table Mirror” Or “barber’s Mirror,” Empire Style (circa 1805–1810)

Artist: Anonyme

A rare mechanical dressing mirror, known as a “table mirror” or “barber’s mirror,” from the Empire period (circa 1805–1810).
The finely chiseled rectangular bronze frame holds an original beveled mirror, revealing charming signs of mercury tarnish characteristic of its authenticity.
This highly ingenious mechanism rests on two sliding side posts that allow the mirror to be adjusted in height.
The adjustment is secured by a superb lower bronze shock absorber adorned with a mask of Neptune or a bearded faun surrounded by foliage.
The structure rises from a rectangular base made of blackened bronze sheet imitating ebony, a contrast in materials typical of the neoclassical rigor of the era.
The top decoration features a large pediment with ancient military motifs.
A central heraldic shield, crowned and flanked by Jupiter’s thunderbolts, is superimposed on a bundle of weapons comprising pikes, spears, and crossed arrows.
The two sheathed uprights are topped at their summits by geometric, sharp spearheads.
The vertical rails emerge dramatically from two gilded bronze Roman centurion helmets.
These ancient helmets, chiseled with extreme virtuosity, feature tall crests, stylized faces with stern features, and relief motifs of laurel wreaths and foliage.
The major technical innovation of this piece lies in its two articulated light arms.
These circular candlesticks, crafted from chiseled bronze and decorated with friezes of water leaves and pearls, are mounted on flat, sliding rods.
They extend or retract at will to illuminate the user’s face without causing glare, thereby optimizing nighttime visibility.
Although no visible hallmark is present, the architectural design and the finesse of the chiseling are reminiscent of the creations of the Emperor’s great bronze artists, such as Pierre-Philippe Thomire and Jean-André Reiche.
These ornamentalists drew their inspiration directly from the works of Charles Percier and Pierre Fontaine, the official architects of Napoleon I and theorists of the “Return from Egypt” and Roman Antiquity styles.
Minimum dimensions: Height 44 cm x Width 34 cm x Depth 13 cm.
An exceptional collector’s item due to its rarity, mechanical ingenuity, and excellent condition.

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