Mirror - Brass - Pair of mirrors

Pair of Courtesy Mirrors in Solid Foundry Brass – Antique / Baroque Style with Neptune Mascaron – Late 19th Century

Description of the lot:
Exceptional and rare pair of courtesy mirrors (or wall-mounted mirrors) from the late 19th century (Napoleon III / Third Republic period, around 1870-1890). Cast in heavy solid brass from a foundry, they are distinguished by their superb openwork Baroque-inspired decoration. The central element of the composition is a magnificent bas-relief sculpted mascaron depicting the mythological figure of the God Neptune (or Poseidon), crowned with rays and foliage.
Details, Ornamentation and Assembly:
The openwork frame features exquisite chasing work with Baroque volutes, stylized floral motifs, and finely worked rosettes.
The central mirrors have a bowed architectural shape at the top. The original glass panes feature an elegant beveled edge characteristic of fine looking-glass production of the period.
The back reveals original metal security panels holding the glass firmly, as well as two rings for suspension cast directly in the mass for secure wall mounting.

Condition:
The pieces are presented strictly in their original state ("as found"), with their magnificent antique patina confirming their authenticity. The brass has intentionally not been cleaned or polished to preserve this precious historical charm (dark tone and contrasting patina, very light traces of natural green verdigris nestled in the reliefs). The beveled glasses show a few light oxidation pinpoints and discreet micro-scratches from normal use for their age. No loss or breakage on the openwork structure.
Weight: 1,620 kg per mirror.