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..

Width (cm):

14

Height (cm):

24

Depth (cm):

11

Please note that this price may NOT include delivery charges which the seller may charge extra for.

Buy now with paypal

Regent Antiques Limited

We are one of the UK's premier furniture dealers and have been trading in London for three decades. We specialise in English and Continental furniture, silver, porcelain, and decorative items both antique and contemporary. We exhibit our collection in classy showrooms in our large warehouse very close to the centre of London.

Contact details