Empire pillar mirror

Empire and classicism

The German classicist architect Leo von Klenze began his career in 1808 as court architect to King Jérôme Bonaparte in Kassel. Wilhelmshöhe Palace there has probably the most important collection of Empire furniture in Germany. Part of it is now used by the Federal President as a permanent loan in Berlin’s Bellevue Palace.[2] The late classicist architect Pietro de Nobile worked in Austria. In Russiaa sister of the first king of Württemberg, decorated her Pavlovsk Palace (Saint Petersburg) in the Empire style.

A British variety of classicism, the Regency style – represented by the architect John Nash – was influenced by the Empire. Sometimes sought to surpass it in terms of splendor and monumentality in interior design – parallel to the political struggle of the Coalition Wars; above all, it outlasted the Empire.

The mirror

Explore the charm of a pillar mirror from Southern Germany, circa 1810. Crafted with sturdy cherry wood, the mirror is adorned with ebonized diamond and profile strips, creating a refined aesthetic. Behold the glass, revealing a verdant gable field featuring a mythological portrayal of a goddess. The mirror retains its original glass, capturing the allure of a bygone era. Cherish the timeless elegance and aged patina that adds character to this exquisite piece.

The Empire style like this Empire pillar mirror, like classicism in general, drew its ideals from Greek and Roman antiquity. In addition to decoration, its main aim was representation.

Representative of the Empire style

The beginning was primarily marked by the painter Jacques-Louis David. Glorified Napoleon as a general and emperor in his paintings. Charles Meynier was also well known.

The most exquisite works of furniture art of this time were created by the cabinetmakers Georges Jacob (1739–1814) and his second son François-Honoré Jacob-Desmalter (1770–1841).

Mahogany, ebony and cedar were preferred for the furniture. The expression was enhanced with fire-gilded fittings (such as lion’s feet), velvet and marble.

Greek, Egyptian and Roman motifs were very popular in all areas like in this Empire pillar mirror. Empire furniture is often characterized by the fact that it combines pompous solemnity with elegance.

Combine this empire pillar mirror with a beautiful Biedermeier half-moon table to celebrate this era.

Classicism and Empire at RSA Wiesbaden

You will find many classical furniture and objects of art from the Empire
in my shop in Wiesbaden. Regine Schmitz-Avila – your classicism and empire specialist for mirrors, tablesand art.