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Empire Convex Mirrors

EMPIRE STYLE

From 1804–15, Napoléon I reigned as the emperor of France, bringing the country into a new era of opulence after the fall of the monarchy and the tumultuous years of the French Revolution. He declared, “We must have very solid things, made to last 100 years.” Empire-style furniture followed suit, with imposing pieces constructed from mahogany and adorned with gilded ornaments. Expanding on the neoclassicism popularized in the previous century — such as in ​​Louis XVI style — Empire style borrowed from the great civilizations of antiquity, from Egypt to Greece and Rome, to connect this nascent empire to the power of the past.

Napoléon I believed the production of fine furniture would reflect the stature of the republic, with his official architects Charles Percier and Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine leading the way with their work on his residences.

Luxurious materials, symmetrical shapes and bold colors characterize antique Empire-style bedroom furniture, armchairs, cabinets and other structures, with frequent motifs including mythological creatures, geometric designs, acanthus leaves, eagles, bees (the imperial emblem) and swans, a favorite of Empress Joséphine.

Flat surfaces, like marble tabletops, were accented with decadent details, such as the bronze furniture mounts made by sculptor Pierre-Philippe Thomire for the French palaces. Martin-Guillaume Biennais, who worked as the imperial goldsmith, crafted intricate luxury objects that mixed wood, fine metal, mother-of-pearl and ivory. Ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — was essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.

The style became popular abroad, influencing the American Empire style. Stately pieces carved with sprigs of olives by cabinetmaker Pierre-Antoine Bellange were acquired by American President James Monroe for the White House in 1817.

Find a collection of antique Empire tables, lighting, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Empire
Midcentury Convex Eagle Mirror, 1960s
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
Resin convex mirror with an eagle - sometimes referred to as 'butler' mirror or 'witch eye' mirror. The mirror is in a very good condition. Beautiful eye catching mirror, ideal...
Category

1960s Belgian Vintage Empire Convex Mirrors

Materials

Resin

Regency Style Bulls Eye Eagle Mirror
Located in New York, NY
A large Regency style mirror with birds eye maple round frame and domed glass central mirror. Topped with a large hand cast black resin eagle and accented on the bottom with matching...
Category

1980s Vintage Empire Convex Mirrors

Materials

Resin, Birdseye Maple

Vintage Golden Sunburst Mirror, 1960s
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
Gilded resin sunburst mirror with convex mirror glass. The golden mirror is in a very good condition, beautifully patinated. 1960s - made in Belgium. Dimensions: Diameter: ...
Category

1960s Belgian Vintage Empire Convex Mirrors

Materials

Resin

Early 19th Century French Empire Convex Mirror
Located in Chicago, IL
A stunning early 19th century French Empire mahogany framed convex mirror with a thin gilt bronze laurel wreath trim. Unlike most convex mirrors ...
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Convex Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany

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Midcentury Convex Eagle Mirror, 1960s
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Gilded resin convex mirror with an eagle - sometimes referred to as 'butler' mirror or 'witch eye' mirror. The golden mirror is in a very good cond...
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1960s Belgian Vintage Empire Convex Mirrors

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Mirror, Resin

Midcentury Convex Eagle Mirror, 1960s
Midcentury Convex Eagle Mirror, 1960s
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A beautiful antique round mirror that was made in France in the early 20th century, circa 1920. The mirror has a convex mirror plate surrounded ...
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Large Vintage Golden Sunburst Mirror, 1960s
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Large gilded resin sunburst mirror with convex mirror glass. The golden mirror is in a very good condition, beautifully patinated. 1960s - made in Belgium. Large diameter ...
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1960s Belgian Vintage Empire Convex Mirrors

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Mid Century Golden Sunburst Mirror, 1960s
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
Gilded resin sunburst mirror with convex mirror glass. The golden mirror is in a good overall condition with one small damage which is not very disturbing. Beautiful eye catchi...
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1960s Belgian Vintage Empire Convex Mirrors

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Mid Century Golden Sunburst Mirror, 1960s
Mid Century Golden Sunburst Mirror, 1960s
H 16.93 in W 16.93 in D 1.97 in
Midcentury Golden Sunburst Mirror, 1960s
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
Gilded resin sunburst mirror with convex mirror glass. The golden mirror is in a good overall condition with one small damage which is not very disturbing. Beautiful eye catchi...
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1960s Belgian Vintage Empire Convex Mirrors

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Mirror, Resin

Midcentury Golden Sunburst Mirror, 1960s
Midcentury Golden Sunburst Mirror, 1960s
H 16.93 in W 16.93 in D 1.97 in
Midcentury Sunburst Mirror, 1960s
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
Spectacular gilded wooden sunburst mirror with convex mirror glass. The mirror is in a very good condition. Beautiful eye-catching mirror. 1960s - Belgium Good condition....
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1960s Belgian Vintage Empire Convex Mirrors

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Midcentury Convex Eagle Mirror
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Midcentury Convex Mirror
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Small Midcentury Golden Sunburst Mirror
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
Small gilded resin sunburst mirror with convex mirror glass. The golden mirror is in a very good condition. Great as a single piece or to add to a collection to fill the wall! ...
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1970s French Vintage Empire Convex Mirrors

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Vintage Golden Sunburst Mirror, 1960s
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
Gilded resin sunburst mirror with convex mirror glass. The golden mirror is in a very good condition. Good condition 1960s - made in Belgium. Dimensions: Diameter frame:...
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1960s Belgian Vintage Empire Convex Mirrors

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Empire convex mirrors for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Empire convex mirrors for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage convex mirrors created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include mirrors and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with organic material, resin and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire convex mirrors made in a specific country, there are Europe, Belgium, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for convex mirrors differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $440 and tops out at $3,200 while the average work can sell for $1,052.

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