‘Grand Psyche’, important exhibition Art Nouveau mirror by Millet
By Maison Millet (French, fl. 1853-1918) | Marioton, Claudius (French, 1844-1919)
£450,000
This phenomenal mirror is a true exhibition piece, an exemplar of what would have been one of the first incorporations of electric light into decorative design.
This one-of-a-kind mirror was crafted in around 1900 by Maison Millet, the renowned French furniture makers.
The large-scale piece is entitled ‘Grand Psyche’, after the bronze statuette applied to the base. Of a rectangular shape with an arched top, the mirror is set within a citron wood case with pleasing marquetry designs. The figure of Psyche, as well as the charming putto on her opposite diagonal, are both cast from bronze. Applied to the other side of the base is a large perfume vase in fluorspar. Gilded elements can be seen throughout, with a particularly impressive floral surmount crowning the piece. Floral vines curve around the edge of the glass, and fittings set within the upper right-hand blooms illustrate that the mirror would have originally been fitted with electric light bulbs (as the original illustrations confirm). The sinuous foliate designs are a hallmark of the Art Nouveau style, in vogue at the time.
The reverse of the ormolu crown is stamped ‘MB’ (Millet Bronzier) for Maison Millet. The firm won notable accolades such as a gold medal at the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1889 and the Grand Prize at the Universal Exhibition of 1900 (indeed where this piece was exhibited). The large bronze figure is signed for Claudius Marioton (1844-1919), the notable French sculptor who was awarded a silver medal at the Expositions Universelle of 1889 and a gold medal at the Exposition Universelle in 1890. He was awarded the prestigious Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur in 1895.
The piece was exhibited in the Paris 1900 world fair, and features in catalogues of the event. It was catalogued as: 'Grand Psyche, in citron wood and marquetry / Figures in bronze with mercury gilt, signed Cl. Marioton. Perfume vase in Fluorspar. Designed and made by M. Millet’. The fact that Millet won the Grand Prize this year is a testament to the extraordinary calibre of this mirror.
With its spectacular size, design, and important historical value, this antique mirror would be a stunning addition to any interior.
Provenance-+
Exhibited at the 1900 Paris Exposition.
Literature-+
Jonathan Meyer, Great Exhibitions 1851-1900: London-Paris-New York-Philadelphia, pg. 320 Victor Champier, Les industries d'art à l'Exposition universelle de 1900, pg. 311
