Cheval Psyche Mirror on Stand with Carved Frame, 1970

This magnificent cheval psyche mirror embodies all the refinement of 19th-century French furniture. Crafted according to the classical model of the tilting standing mirror — hence its evocative name from Greek mythology — it stands out for the finesse of its carved frame and the elegance of its column or turned-stand base. The psyche mirror, which appeared at the end of the 18th century, owes its name to Psyche, the lover of Eros in Greek mythology, whose beauty fully justified self-contemplation. Initially a boudoir piece reserved for the aristocracy, it became in the 19th century an emblematic piece of well-to-do bourgeois interiors, witness to the care given to grooming and appearance. The tilting mechanism, articulated between two vertical uprights, allows the mirror to be tilted according to the height of the gaze. The carving of the frame, the work of the uprights and the quality of the finish testify to the savoir-faire of French cabinetmakers of this great period. Its imposing height (65.16 in) makes it a piece of furniture in its own right, capable of structuring a dressing room or a refined bedroom. With its dimensions of 21.65 in wide, 17.52 in deep and 65.16 in high, this psyche mirror will naturally find its place in a bedroom, dressing room or entryway. Piece sourced by Maison Barrois. Good overall condition; the mirror shows the patina and marks characteristic of its age, a guarantee of authenticity.