Empire period mahogany "Retour d'Egypte" psyche mirror
Empire period psyche mirror in mahogany and mahogany veneer. A tilting central panel, held in place by two lateral pegs, accommodates the mirror. This large free-standing mirror is surmounted by a triangular mahogany veneered pediment adorned with a chased and gilded bronze mask of Apollo. On either side of the psyche are two mahogany pilaster uprights, topped by black patinated wood caryatids, each resting on two small feet. The back of the mirror is upholstered in gilded braid fabric. The whole structure rests on four black patinated claw feet.
Central panel dimensions: 82.5 cm x 139 cm / 32.48 in x 54.72 in
What is a psyche?
A psyche is a large, movable mirror mounted on a frame that can be tilted at will to provide a full-length view of oneself. This piece of furniture was very fashionable in the early years of the 19th century, and enjoyed a revival in the 1930s. It's worth noting that being able to look at oneself from a standing position was a real novelty under the Empire. It was at this time that the psyche appeared, reserved for ladies' rooms. The mirror was mounted on pivots, adjustable and framed by torches. Beyond the convenience it represented, the large mirror certainly contributed to a change in self-image and body image, to which more and more attention was being paid at the time. Our Empire Mirror is a fine example of this period's relationship with the body and its image.
Circa: 1800
Dim: W: 109cm, D: 67cm, H: 205cm.
Dim: W: 42,9in, D: 26,4in, H: 80,7in.
Condition report: Good condition. light wear to mirror.
