Cheval glass (psyché) 1805 - 1819

François-Honoré-Georges Jacob-Desmalter, a prominent French furniture maker, crafted this cheval glass (psyché) between 1805 and 1819. The mirror, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is an exquisite example of the Empire style, showcasing intricate gold-inlaid floral motifs and delicate figures in the frame. The rich mahogany wood and gilded accents highlight the elegance and grandeur associated with the Napoleonic era. The cheval glass, with its tall, freestanding design, was a popular piece in aristocratic homes, reflecting both beauty and status.