"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 Parisian Hotel de Ville and entitled as such. The Hotel de Ville is the building housing the city's local administration, standing on the Place de l'Hotel-de-Ville in the 4th arrondissement. The south wing was originally constructed by François I beginning in 1535 until 1551. The north wing was built by Henry IV and Louis XIII between 1605 and 1628. It was burned by the Paris Commune, along with all the city archives that it contained, during the Commune's final days in May 1871. The outside was rebuilt following the original design, but larger, between 1874 and 1882. It has been the headquarters of the municipality of Paris since 1357. It has served multiple functions, including housing the local administration, the Mayor of Paris (since 1977), and also serves as a venue for large receptions. One of a group we recently acquired from an estate, wonderful souvenirs though we may not be able to visit France quite yet, we can always dream. Thank you!
Very good condition for age and type. Possibly a tiny corner or edge nip but no larger chips that I can see. 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 age tattered. See pictures for measurements.
