{"product_id":"antique-french-renaissance-revival-gilt-brass-or-bronze-wall-mirror-with-crescent-moon-faces-amp-classical-mascaron-circa-1880-1900","title":"Antique French Renaissance Revival Gilt Brass or Bronze Wall Mirror with Crescent Moon Faces and Classical Mascaron, Circa 1880–1900","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAdditional Description\u003cbr\u003eA striking antique oval wall mirror in cast gilt brass or bronze, richly ornamented with symbolic and classical decorative motifs. The frame is centered by an oval beveled mirror plate and surmounted by an architectural, urn-like crest, while the lower section is anchored by a finely modeled central mascaron.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMost distinctive are the two side ornaments, which take the form of crescent moon faces in profile, each emerging from foliate and scrolling ornament. These moon-form profiles give the mirror a more mythological and poetic character than a standard Renaissance Revival frame.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe lower portion features a serene central classical face framed by curved horn-like elements and draped ornament, while the surrounding border is embellished with fruiting clusters, leaves, and richly modeled decorative bands. The overall effect is sculptural and theatrical, with strong late 19th-century historicist appeal.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe reverse shows substantial cast construction with a fitted backing plate, hanging ring, old slotted screws, and an impressed number mark that appears to read 22.\u003cbr\u003eEra\u003cbr\u003eCirca: 1880–1900\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePeriod: Late Victorian \/ Belle Époque\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStyle: Renaissance Revival \/ Neo-Renaissance \/ Napoleon III taste\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOrigin: Likely French or Continental European\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe crescent-moon side profiles, classical central mask, and ornate cast-metal construction are consistent with late 19th-century revivalist decorative arts. The piece likely belongs to the broader European taste for mythological and Renaissance-inspired ornament popular in the last quarter of the 19th century.\u003cbr\u003eHistory\u003cbr\u003eDuring the second half of the 19th century, decorative arts in France and across Europe drew heavily from earlier historical styles, particularly the Renaissance, Baroque, and classical traditions. Mirrors, furniture mounts, and decorative metalwork were often embellished with symbolic or mythological motifs intended to evoke grandeur, learning, and romance.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis mirror belongs to that tradition. Its sculptural cast frame combines floral abundance, classical imagery, and symbolic figural ornament into a compact but highly decorative form.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe most important design feature is the pair of crescent moon profile faces at the sides. These likely reference the moon in allegorical or mythological form rather than functioning simply as grotesque masks. Such lunar imagery can evoke night, mystery, femininity, or classical goddess traditions, though no single figure can be definitively assigned here.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe lower mask adds another layer of symbolism. It appears as a classical or myth-inspired face framed by curved horn-like elements and drapery, reinforcing the mirror’s theatrical and historicist character.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall, the piece feels more imaginative and iconographic than a conventional Victorian mirror, making it especially appealing for collectors of unusual French decorative objects.\u003cbr\u003eProvenance\u003cbr\u003ePrevious ownership history undocumented.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe reverse retains its original-style hanging hardware and backing plate, secured by slotted screws. An impressed numerical mark, appearing to read 22, is visible on the reverse and likely represents a casting, model, or assembly number rather than a maker’s mark.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo signed foundry mark or retailer’s label is visible in the photographs provided.\u003cbr\u003eMaterials\u003cbr\u003e- Cast gilt brass or bronze, exact alloy unconfirmed\u003cbr\u003e- Oval beveled mirror glass\u003cbr\u003e- Cast figural and foliate ornament\u003cbr\u003e- Metal backing plate\u003cbr\u003e- Hanging ring and old slotted screw fasteners\u003cbr\u003eThe reverse shows the textured surface and construction typical of cast decorative metalwork rather than a lightweight stamped modern reproduction.\u003cbr\u003eDimensions\u003cbr\u003eExact measurements to be confirmed.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEstimated approximately 13–15 inches high x 8–10 inches wide, based on the photographs.\u003cbr\u003eCondition\/Disclaimers\u003cbr\u003eGood apparent antique condition with age-related wear.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe cast frame retains crisp decorative modeling throughout, including the crescent moon side faces, the lower central mascaron, fruiting ornament, and upper crest. The surface shows natural patina, light rubbing, minor oxidation, and expected wear to the gilt\/brass-toned finish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe beveled mirror plate appears generally clear and reflective, with minor speckling, light scratches, and small age-related imperfections visible in places.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe reverse shows oxidation, surface wear, and areas of verdigris\/copper-alloy corrosion, particularly near the lower edge and recessed sections. The backing plate and hardware remain present.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo major losses to the principal decorative features are apparent in the photographs, though replacement of the mirror glass cannot be ruled out without hands-on examination.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCataloguing is based on visual assessment only; origin, precise date, and exact metal composition have not been independently authenticated.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50778711654655,"sku":null,"price":195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0725\/8780\/4927\/files\/E18C5049-8FDE-4CFE-B162-7BA5790C6589.png?v=1792937916","url":"https:\/\/forthelouvreofantiques.com\/fr\/products\/antique-french-renaissance-revival-gilt-brass-or-bronze-wall-mirror-with-crescent-moon-faces-amp-classical-mascaron-circa-1880-1900","provider":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}