An exceptional eighteenth-century Louis XV Beaucaire mirror. Beaucaire mirrors were made with a layered technique, whereby the sturdy wooden back had the glass layered onto it followed by an intricately carved and gilded frame. The back is nearly as beautiful as the front and the layered technique makes this a very heavy mirror. Note the oak leaves, acorns, scrolling acanthus leaves and mirrored sections within the frame.
About Beaucaire:
The antique fair in Beaucaire, known as the Foire de Beaucaire, was a significant event that took place over more than six centuries, from the 13th to the 19th century. The fair would typically run for 10 days, from July 15th to July 25th, reaching its zenith in the 17th and 18th centuries.
It was internationally renowned, drawing as many as 300,000 visitors annually at its height. The fair was known for its wide array of goods, many of which were brought in by boat due to Beaucaire's strategic position along the Rhône River. However, with the advent of railways in the mid-19th century, the river trade declined, leading to a decrease in the fair's prominence.
In its heyday, it was such a bustling marketplace that it rivaled the trade volumes of the port of Marseille over the course of a year. Today, the fair still exists but has transformed into more of a local event with various festivities, including fairground attractions and bullfights, and it begins on July 21st, lasting for at least six days. (Travel France Online) (Encyclopedia Britannica).
Condition and wear consistent with age and use.
Approx. overall incl. frame 34¼" high x 24½" x 2¾"
Approx. overall incl. frame 87cm high x 62cm x 7cm
