Art Deco French Wrought Iron Mirror in the Manner of Zadounaïsky, 1930s

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This exceptional French wrought iron mirror, created circa 1935–1945, is a remarkable example of artistic blacksmithing at the intersection of … Read more This exceptional French wrought iron mirror, created circa 1935–1945, is a remarkable example of artistic blacksmithing at the intersection of Art Deco and sculptural design. with its organically shaped silhouette, masterfully hand-forged roses, expressive serpents and harmonious asymmetry, it possesses a striking presence that clearly distinguishes it from conventional decorative mirrors of the period. The composition is exceptionally refined. Every forged element appears intentionally placed, creating a balanced yet dynamic design. Particularly captivating are the sculptural serpents, whose finely forged split tongues remain movable—a fascinating technical and artistic detail rarely encountered. Together with the delicately forged roses and foliage, they create a symbolic composition that is both elegant and mysterious. The overall design bears a strong stylistic resemblance to the work of Michel Zadounaïsky (1903–1983), one of the most inventive French artistic blacksmiths of the Art Deco era, whose sculptural serpent motifs became one of his signature themes. While this mirror is not signed and therefore cannot be attributed with certainty, its artistic language strongly recalls works produced in the manner of Michel Zadounaïsky or by a highly accomplished French art metal workshop of the same period. The forged ironwork demonstrates an outstanding level of craftsmanship. Every rose, leaf and serpent has been individually hand-forged, resulting in an impressive sense of depth and vitality. The free-form outline of both the frame and mirror plate enhances its sculptural quality, making it as much a wall sculpture as a functional mirror. In our opinion, the wrought iron was likely given a very thin protective overcoat at a later date. This appears to have been applied purely as a conservation measure and does not detract from the character or authenticity of the piece. The mirror retains its original period mirror plate, displaying the attractive patina expected from a piece of this age. A small edge loss to the mirror glass is present on the left side and has been carefully documented in the photographs. We deliberately chose to preserve the original glass, as its authenticity contributes significantly to the historical integrity and aesthetic appeal of the mirror. Dimensions * Width: 90.5 cm (35.63 in.) * Height (mirror only): 56 cm (22.05 in.) * Overall height including suspension chain: 91 cm (35.83 in.) * Depth: approximately 10 cm (3.94 in.) An exceptionally rare and highly decorative French Art Deco mirror, combining sculptural artistry, symbolic design and remarkable hand-forged craftsmanship. Whether viewed as an outstanding decorative object or as a work closely related to the artistic tradition of Michel Zadounaïsky, this mirror represents an unusual and highly collectible example of twentieth-century French ironwork. See less