Description:

A Very Fine and Rare Mid-19th Century Napoleon III Carved Ivory Dieppe Mirror Frame with a rectangular mirror plate surmounted by an elaborate carved serpentine crest centered by crowned coat-of-arms inscribed "CHE SARA SARA" (Latin for "What will be will be") within cherubs and putti playing musical instruments, amongst ropes, flags, surmounted on each side by a perching eagle above a column, with interlaced stylized oak leaves all around, the base with even more carved figures of putti and cherubs playing musical instruments and centered by a Royal Coat-of-Arms with the initials "D.B" in ligature, possibly in tribute to the Duchesse de Berry,  Caroline of Bourbon-Siciles (1798-1870), who made Dieppe famous. The mirror plate is beveled. Circa: 1860

Height: 55 1/2 inches (141 cm)
Width: 36 inches (91.5cm)

Ref.: A1525

 

The port-town of Dieppe in Normandy, Northeastern France, has been a sea faring city since the age of the Vikings and it is also a term used to describe these type of carved ivory mirrors which originated here during the Napoleonic era. During the 16th century Dieppe was the main port for the fleet of Louis XIV bringing spices and ivory from Africa and the West Indies. In the 19th century the Duchesse de Berry made sea-bathing quite the fashion and people from across France and Europe rushed to coastal cities like Dieppe to bask in the sun and frolic in the sea. Dieppe became quite popular with the English artists, the literati and Royalty throughout Europe as well as very afluent collectors from around the world. The fine detailed ivory carving on this mirror, together with the inclusion of a coat-of-arms and large size, leaves no doubt that this particular mirror was custom-made for Royalty.

 

COPYRIGHT & DISCLOSURE:
The images, logo, design, text, information and all material displayed on this site are protected by U.S. and international copyright laws and may not be printed, saved or reproduced except for personal use only. Unauthorized use is prohibited. No part of this website may be published, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means without permission and authorization in writing from Jan's & Company French Antiques, Attn: Rights & Reproductions, at 1934 West Adams Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90018 U.S.A. Tel: (323) 735-6455