PAIR OF GILTWOOD PIER MIRRORS WITH ROCAILLE CARVINGS IN THE QUEEN ANNE TASTE
England, circa first half of the 19th century
Item # 308GXF16W 

An exceedingly fine pair of giltwood mirrors, they are perfectly matched and feature a rich surface patina from centuries of life and gentle handling. Much of the original gilding is retained in the frames, this rubbed away to reveal rich tones of the underlying red bole clay, rubbing through even further to reveal the white gesso and underlying wood in some areas. The recesses are dark and even black in some areas from a build up of grime and oxidization over the centuries and the overall surface is deliciously chaotic.

Designed as a development over the forms of the Queen Anne period, this mirror is roughly one-hundred years later than the introduction of those forms, a product of the first half of the 19th century. The lines in the rectilinear form are most delicate and careful attention has been shown in selecting, balancing and executing every motif in the frames.

Notable is the crest, a rich symmetrical collection of pierced rocaille motifs that emanate out from the brilliant shell focal point. Acanthus rises in a curve of opposing C-scrolls and crests outward and over the frame with several large flowers growing from the foliage while on either side a bird-like figure rises from a body of foliage that curves and writhes like a sea creature. The textures capture your full attention, every inch of each carving carefully developed with the chiseled texture and incised lines and lobes. Each frame is set with two pieces of glass within a thin frame, this richly decorated with tiny repeating motifs developed in bas-relief over a stippled ground. The frames retain their original backboards, this covered with the original pitch and affixed to the frame with tiny slotted screws around all sides.

The details demand the viewer come closer and look carefully, examine each motif and consider it in relation to the whole. Like most exceedingly good decorative arts, they are a pair that are savored slowly and become more interesting the more you consider them.

Measurements: 54" H x 23" W x 1 3/4" D

Condition Report:
Gilt losses throughout, many revealing the underlying white gesso and red bole, extensive discoloration and variation in the gilding and underlying red bole from time and handling; inpainting and regilding here and there throughout, all of which has beautifully aged to join the overall patina; retaining original backboards with inactive pest damage; old (and probably original) plate glass with silvering losses, smokiness and light wear. An incredibly beautiful pair.