Lot 189
  • 189

A fine and rare Empire ormolu and patinated bronze-mounted mahogany cheval mirror circa 1815, attributed to Jacob Desmalter

Estimate
70,000 - 100,000 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • height 80 1/4 in.; width 46 1/2 in.; depth 25 1/2 in.
  • 204 cm; 118 cm; 65 cm
the rectangular plate surmounted by a scrolled pediment, flanked by ormolu columnar supports above standing patinated bronze female figures with arms upraised supporting a later shell and raised on ormolu boars' heads; the whole above a concave-fronted platform base.

Provenance

Reputedly from the collection of J.J.R. de Cambacérès, Duke of Parma

Collection of Theodore Reinach

Michel Ephrussi

The Wildenstein Collection, New York

Collection of Mr. Akram Ojjeh, sold, Sotheby's, Monaco, June 25-26, 1979, lot 127

Collection of Sir Charles Clore, sold, Christie's, Monaco, December 6, 1985, lot 47

Catalogue Note

A comparable cheval mirror of similar scale and with similarly shaped top rail is in the boudoir of the Empress at Compiègne.  The furniture in the room was provided by the firm of Jacob Desmalter, who may very well have also provided the mirror (see 'Compiègne', Connaissance des Arts, nd, p. 28).