French 19th Century Gentleman’s Dressing Table

A distinct and stately Neoclassical gentleman’s dressing table from France, perhaps inspired by the influential English aesthete Beau Brummell whose high standards for personal appearance became legendary. Crafted from rich mahogany, the architectural design of the chest features a gray Turquin marble tray on top, elevated by carved and turned columns decorated with brass applications like inset stars. To the right of the frieze is a shallow drawer located by a tiny brass ring pull. At the back of the lower marble surface is a mirror, framed in mahogany, which can be raised to the top by sliding out the marble tray above and lifting the mirror panel by an attached ring. This curious and ingenious contraption is secured by a push button to release and guide the mirror back down. Three drawers in the lower body form a small chest to keep personal effects or grooming tools. Cleaned and polished with French paste wax to bring out the vanity’s distinctive features and excellent quality, such a sophisticated design could easily be displayed in living rooms as an occasional table or petite bar. Please view the detailed images.