Answer:
The trumeau overmantel treatment was a popular decorative element in both the Louis XV and Louis XVI styles. It typically consisted of a combination of a mirror and a painting, placed above the fireplace mantel.
In the Louis XV style, the trumeau was often characterized by asymmetry and the use of rocaille motifs. The mirror would be surrounded by intricately carved woodwork, featuring delicate scrolls, foliage, and shell-like forms.
The painting, usually an oil painting on canvas, would be placed within a carved frame, complementing the overall design of the trumeau. The subject matter of the painting could vary, ranging from pastoral landscapes to cherubs, flowers, or mythological scenes.
In the Louis XVI style, the trumeau treatment became more refined and symmetrical, inspired by neoclassical influences. The mirror would be surrounded by straight lines, geometric motifs, and neoclassical ornamentation, such as fluted columns, urns, and laurel wreaths.
The painting would be housed within a more restrained frame, often featuring architectural elements such as pilasters or pediments. The subject matter of the painting in this style typically included classical motifs, such as ancient ruins, Greek or Roman figures, or scenes from mythology.
Overall, the trumeau overmantel treatment of both the Louis XV and Louis XVI styles played a significant role in enhancing the grandeur and elegance of interior spaces, combining the functionality of a mirror with the artistry of a painting.