antique french ormolu & limoges enamel table mirror f.bienvue 19th c

This is an impressive and highly decorative French gilt bronze and Limoges enamel table mirro, Signed, F.Bienvue, Limoges and Circa 1880 in date.

The enamelled portrait roundel on a floral ground with swag and acanthus leaves, fitted with a bevelled mirror verso, raised on tapered uprights and scrolled acanthus-form feet.Acanthus leaves embellish the feet and legs and a posy of flowers adorns the top of the column at each side.The richly coloured enamel portrait shows the subject with her head turned, almost looking over her shoulder and towards the viewer.It is signed on the left hand side by the master emailleur F. Bienvenu, Limoges.Condition:
In reallyexcellent condition having been beautifully cleaned in our workshops,, please see photos for confirmation.Dimensions in cm:Height 24 x Width 14 x Depth 11Dimensions in inches:Height 9 inches x Width 5 inches x Depth 4 inches
Our reference: 09965
Limoges enamelhas been produced at Limoges, in south-western France, over several centuries up to the present.Ormolu -(from French 'or moulu', signifying ground or pounded gold) is an 18th-century English term for applying finely ground, high-caratgoldin amercuryamalgamto an object ofbronze.The mercury is driven off in akilnleaving behind a gold-coloured veneerknown as'gilt bronze'.The manufacture of true ormolu employs a process known as mercury-gilding orfire-gilding, in which a solution ofnitrate of mercuryis applied to a piece ofcopper,brass, or bronze, followed by the application of anamalgamof gold and mercury. The item was then exposed to extreme heat until the mercury burned off and the gold remained, adhered to the metal object.After around 1830 because legislation had outlawed the use of mercury other techniques were used instead.Electroplatingis the most common modern technique. Ormolu techniques are essentially the same as those used onsilver, to producesilver-gilt..

Antiques.co.uk Ref: 4RD6DJQER

Width (cm):

14

Height (cm):

24

Depth (cm):

11

Here on antiques co uk we love antiques and specialise in selling antiques. Even though this item was for sale and is now sold or otherwise now unavailable we have many more items for sale including vintage antiques, silver, tables, watches, jewellery and much more for your interiors and home.

Search all the antiques currently for sale on www.antiques co uk. Or why not consider selling your antiques and making sales more easily with us!