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Beautiful vintage double-sided vanity hand mirror featuring an ornate gilt-metal frame, beveled glass mirror and European court portrait miniature.
The highly decorative frame incorporates French Empire / Neoclassical motifs, including laurel wreaths, ribbon and bow ornamentation, beaded borders and elaborate relief decoration extending down the handle. The handle terminates in a hanging ring.
The reverse features a finely detailed portrait of an elaborately dressed European woman beneath glass. A small signature/artist mark is visible near the lower edge of the portrait.
Research into comparable portrait miniatures and mirrors found examples catalogued “in the style/manner of” French miniature painters including Étienne-Charles Le Guay (1762–1846) and Marguerite Gérard (1761–1837). The mark on this example appears potentially related to that tradition; however, the portrait appears most likely to be a later reproduction after an earlier miniature.
This listing does NOT attribute the portrait to Le Guay, Gérard, or any other specific artist. The artist/style references are provided solely as comparative vanity/hand mirror
Beveled glass mirror
Portrait miniature under glass
Small visible signature/artist mark
Ornate gilt-metal construction
French Empire / Neoclassical styling
Laurel wreath and ribbon/bow decoration
Substantial weight and construction
Hanging ring at end of handle
Approx. 11–12\" overall length
Approx. 5½\" across circular frame
Estate-sale acquisition
Condition: Good vintage condition with expected patina, finish wear and other age-related imperfections. The mirror and portrait display very nicely. Please enlarge and review all photographs, as they are an important part of the condition description.
A beautiful and unusual decorative vanity piece with a wonderful Old World French look