A rare Napoleon III ormolu and lapis lazuli mirror

Details

A rare Napoleon III ormolu and lapis lazuli mirror
Of rectangular shape with projecting square corners, surmounted by a putto seated on Hercules' club, holding a rose-wreath in one hand and with a dove perched on his knee, with billowing drapery, clouds, flambeau and crossed laurel branches behind, the frame with bevelled glass mirror, with lapis border and ribbon-tied laurel-cast edge, the back of the crest stamped L V
18½ in. (47 cm.) wide; 28 in. (71 cm.) high

Lot Essay

The poetic laurel-wreathed trophy, conceived in the French antique manner of the 1770s, celebrates love's triumph. Cupid's companion bears a rose-garland and is supported by Hercule's club, emblematic of strength, while one of Venus's doves is perched on Cupid's firebrand.

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