Ever wonder whether it's a Rococo or Régence? Louis XV or Louis Philippe? A Bergère or Fauteuil? Each week, we will highlight a word, term, or phrase to help identify antique furniture, periods, and styles.

TRUMEAU

tru·meau [troo-moh; French try-moh]
noun, plural tru·meaux [troo-mohz; French try-moh]
1. Architecture. the pillar or center post supporting the lintel in the middle of a doorway, especially in a church.
2. an overmantel treatment of 18th century France consisting of a pier glass surmounted by an oil painting or decorative often carved panel.
Origin: late 19th century < French: literally, 'calf of the leg'.

Detail of the portal of the Cathédrale Saint Sauveur, Aix en Provence

In architecture, the French word trumeau refers to a highly sculpted and decorated column or vertical post used in the center of a large portal or doorway, especially in a church, supporting the lintel and tympanum. First appearing during the Middle Ages, these architectural elements represent an important part of art history and architectural heritage. It wasn't until the early 18th century that the term trumeau became associated with mirrors.

Rare French trumeau with gilded candle sconces mounted to the frame, Château de Villette: The Splendor of French Decor, published by Flammarion, photo by Bruno Ehrs

Invented in France and made popular by the French aristocracy, trumeau mirrors were originally designed to hang on a wall between windows. Because mirrored glass was so expensive at the time, the royals and aristocrats who owned them took great pride and pleasure in showing them off. A common centerpiece of 18th century interiors, these long, rectangular wall mirrors set into paneling were intricately carved, often gilded but almost always painted, and topped with a carved motif or painting.

They served not only as a decorative element, but were also very functional because of the reflective quality of the mirrored glass bringing much needed light to a room. By day the mirror would reflect sunlight throughout a room, and at night it would reflect the candlelight. Candle sconces were hung on the wall on either side of the mirror to increase light or placed in front of trumeaux designed to be hung above a mantel rather than between windows. Some rare trumeaux were designed with gilded candle sconces attached to the frames. Before the use of trumeau mirrors, large panels of mirrored glass were built directly into the walls or boiserie between two windows to add light to a room.

Another rare French trumeau with gilded candle sconces mounted to the frame, Château de Villette

19th Century French Louis XVI Style Painted and Gilt Trumeau Mirror / Item #LO247 / Lolo French Antiques et More

19th Century French Louis XVI Style Painted Trumeau Mirror with Oil Painting / Item #LO3137 / Lolo French Antiques et More

The trumeau's large size makes it a very versatile piece. It can easily prop against a wall on it's own or be used as a focal point over a mantle or piece of furniture. Mirror, mirror on the wall... what's your favorite way to use a trumeau mirror? Let us know!

À Bientôt!