French Dieppe Carved Cartouche Mirror, Mid 19th Century
French Dieppe Carved Cartouche Mirror, Mid 19th Century
A very finely carved whale bone ivory tessellated mirror, a specialty of the carvers of Dieppe, on the coast of Normandy in the 19th century. The frame is comprised of overlapping oak leaves arranged in a cartouche shape, centered on the original oval beveled mirror plate. The body of the mirror is periodically enlivened by detailed and more dimensional putto musician figures with horns or cymbals, along with heraldic shields and elements. A coat of arms motif anchors the crest of the mirror, featuring the fleurs de lys and motto of France: “Montjoie St. Denys.” The slim carved oak leaves look fragile, but are incredibly hard and in extraordinarily good condition, as is the mirror as a whole. Cream in color with some oxidation, the carvings are engraved. Patina highlights the details. The sides are reeded.
H: 32 ½ W: 21 ¼ D: 2