Narrow pier glass with painted decoration, regional work from the 18th century.

A carved and gilded wooden trumeau, dating from the second half of the 18th century, preserved in a remarkable state of authenticity.

Its upper section comprises an original oil painting on canvas mounted on its original stretcher, and its lower section contains an original mercury mirror, the whole assembly remaining attached to its original frame.

The upper painting, executed in oil on canvas, is presented on its period stretcher, still nailed to the wood of the trumeau with wrought iron nails, unambiguously attesting that it is the original painting created for this decoration, and not a later addition or embellishment. The canvas, slightly loosened by time, displays a network of craquelure and natural signs of age, contributing significantly to the charm and authenticity of the piece. The composition depicts a lively harbor scene: in the foreground, two figures sit on a rock at the water's edge, near a beached boat; in the middle ground, several sailing ships move about in a calm harbor; in the background, a coastal tower erected on a rocky promontory, evoking a lighthouse or watchtower, structures a coastal landscape with a southern influence.

Stylistically, this painting belongs to the decorative current of southern harbor views in the 18th century, in a spirit akin to the seascapes of Lacroix de Marseille, without being able or necessary to be attributed to him. The treatment is deliberately simple, direct, almost naive, fully embracing its decorative function: this is not an easel painting, but rather an ornamental painting integrated into the interior architecture, designed to interact with the overmantel mirror and the woodwork.

The carved and gilded wooden frame features elegant and balanced ornamentation:

– a curved pediment surmounted by an antique vase framed by foliate scrolls,

– a large carved floral motif separating the painting from the mirror,
– molded and gilded moldings highlighting the two sections.

The gilding is original and unrestored, with wear, rubbing, and minor losses, perfectly consistent with age and use.

The lower section is closed by its original mercury mirror, which shows slight pitting and natural imperfections, but no major damage.

With its slender dimensions and narrow width (68 cm), this trumeau was most likely designed to be placed between two windows, a common arrangement in 18th-century interiors, where such elements punctuated the elevations while adding light and depth.

This is a fine example of regional craftsmanship, likely created to furnish a stately home, manor house, or castle, and remarkably well-preserved. Its authenticity, patina, signs of age, deliberate imperfections, and unrestored paintwork create the rare impression of a trumeau mirror that has never been restored or retouched, remaining in its original state.

This sincerity lends the piece a powerful charm, immediately evocative of old country houses, castles, and manor houses, where decorations acquire a patina over generations without losing their character.

Period: Second half of the 18th century (circa 1760–1780)
Materials: Carved and gilded softwood, oil paint on canvas mounted on its original stretcher, wrought iron nails, original mercury mirror

Dimensions:
Height: 195 cm
Width: 68 cm

Ref: UBFMLV4CI0