Large Giltwood & Vernis Martin Mirror
Period: Late 19th Century
Origin: French
Price: $201,194
Date of Manufacture: 1888
REF: LA319842
Description
A very large Giltwood and Vernis Martin Mirror by Louis Majorelle from the Dutch Royal Palace of Het Loo, 1888. This grand mirror has a central rectangular plate framed by ‘vernis Martin’ panels of floral sprays centred on a charming scene of three putti in a bower, one being crowned with a floral circlet. These are overlaid with exuberant giltwood garlands, rocailles, and C-scrolls. The reverse bears the inventory number JKP 3306(2). French, 1888.
Provenance
Royal Provenance: This magnificent mirror was supplied as part of a suite for King Willem III and Queen Emma of the Netherlands, commissioned from Louis Majorelle for the refurbishment of the drawing rooms at Het Loo Palace around 1887. In May/June 1888, he delivered: "1 grand miroir Louis XV bois sculpté et doré avec peintures cernis marting frs 3200" (Royal Dutch Archives).
Footnote
Louis Majorelle (1859–1926): Son of Auguste Majorelle of Nancy, known for 18th-century style furniture. After training under Millet in Paris, Louis took over the family firm in 1879 and gradually introduced innovative designs. By 1900, he had become the leading Art Nouveau furniture maker in France. Though his factory was destroyed in WWI, he rebuilt and adapted to Art Deco styles.
Specifications
- Height: 120 in
- Width: 60 in
- Depth: 7 in
- Material: Giltwood
- Artisan: Louis Majorelle
Purchase
Item: Large Giltwood & Vernis Martin Mirror
Price: $201,194
