"Eglomise" is the term applied to the back-painted glass panels in these old French souvenirs. Most of them date 1800s, though they were made up through about 1910 in this manner, too. Later ones often have a photo set in instead. The early ones are our favorites, sometimes a screened ink-line like drawing that is then hand colored, or sometimes a full miniature painting original, all worked on the back side of a panel or convex plaque of glass. There are sometimes open spots left and a final step is application of thin mother of pearl panels so that the windows shimmer with pearlescent light, or architectural details are pearl - you can see how fun those are. I'm listing a whole collection from this genre, one at a time, so will just give the barest detail of each as we move through the collection.
This one is wonderful - an expansive view of Fontainebleau and the "etange des carpes" or "carp pond" in front. The Palace of Fontainebleau or Château de Fontainebleau is located 34 miles southeast of Paris and is one of the largest French royal palaces. The medieval castle and subsequent palace served as a residence for the French monarchs from Louis VII to Napoleon III. Francis I and Napoleon were the monarchs who had the most influence on the Palace as it stands today and it was transformed into a national museum in 1927. One of a group of wonderful old French eglomise souvenir caskets that we recently acquired so be sure to browse some while you're with us. Although we can't quite travel to France yet, we can dream. Visit again mentally and get your souvenirs here with us. Thanks!
Very good condition for age and type. There is a small flash chip to the lower rear corner of the left side glass panel. The pressed brass framework is in very good condition, as well, age and type considered and clasp is holding tight. The original interior is intact but quite tattered. There are a few small spots of paint loss or separation on the eglomise lid panel. See pictures for measurements.
