HISTORY OF THE MIRRORS

The first mirrors used by humans were most likely bodies of water dark, still water, or water collected in a recipient of some sort. The earliest manufactured mirrors were pieces of polished stone such as obsidian, a naturally occurring volcanic glass. In Europe, during the Renaissance, European manufacturers are developing a superior method of glass mirror. In France, during the reign of Louis XIV, the Royal Manufactory of mirrors glass produces the mirrors of the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles.

ORIGIN

origin-of-the-mirror

Throughout history, various cultures have been discovered and created mirrors independently of each other. However, the real inventor of the mirror seems to have been nature.

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MIRRORS IN EUROPE

During the Renaissance period, European manufacturers developed a superior method of glass mirror. In France, the royal mirror glass factory was created in 1665 by King Louis XIV. It produces the mirrors for the “Galerie des Glaces” in Versailles.

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ART MIRRORS

art-mirrors-french-artists-pascal-and-annie

Since the 70s, the contemporary creators have used the mirror as a creative medium for their works of art. In France, artists Pascal & Annie, create art mirrors, using the mirror as a support for pictorial frames, sculpted by hand.

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FRENCH MIRRORS

French antique wall mirrors - History

In 1665 King Louis XIV created with his minister Colbert the Royal Manufacture of mirrors, rue du Faubourg Saint Antoine in Paris, to compete with the glassmakers of Venice. Over time, the Venetian monopoly was replaced by the French monopoly. Over the centuries, mirror manufacturing techniques have evolved, and mirror frames have changed style of ornamentation and materials.

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French styles mirrors

Renaissance Style  (1495-1589)
Louis XIII Style  (1589-1661)
Louis XIV Style  (1661-1700)
Regency Style  (1700-1730)
Louis XV Style  (1730-1760)
Louis XVI Style  (1760-1789)
Directory Style  (1789-1804)
Empire Style  (1804-1815)
Restoration Style  (1815-1830)
Louis-Philippe Style  (1830-1848)
Napoleon III Style  (1852-1870)
Modern’Style  (1900-1910)
Art Deco Style  (1920-1939)
The 40’s Style  (1940-1949)
The 50’s Style  (1950-1959)
The 60’s Style  (1960-1969)
The 70’s Style  (1970-1979)
The 80’s Style  (1980-1989)
Contemporary Style