Regency Gilt and Gesso Overmantel Mirror
ENGLAND, CIRCA 1815
125 x 151 cm
49 ¼ x 59 ½ in
49 ¼ x 59 ½ in
6951
A Regency gilt and gesso overmantel mirror, the large, original single mercury plate below a bold anthemion frieze, framed by column supports with foliate scroll and anthemion decoration and headed...
A Regency gilt and gesso overmantel mirror, the large, original single mercury plate below a bold anthemion frieze, framed by column supports with foliate scroll and anthemion decoration and headed by paterae.
The size of the plate is noteworthy on this mirror. Some overmantel mirrors were fitted with three smaller plates divided by mouldings or pilasters, which reduced their cost significantly. A large, single plate indicates the high original value of this piece.
The frieze is strongly influenced by the design from the Erechtheion (421BC-406BC) in Athens. A marble anta-capital from the east porch was purchased by the British Museum from Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin in 1816 close to the time this overmantel was made (museum no. 1816,0610.255). This design influenced cabinet makers such as George Bullock (c. 1782-1818), and one of the designs in his Wilkinson Tracings (City Museums and Art Gallery, Birmingham) also bears a striking resemblance to the frieze on this mirror frame.
The size of the plate is noteworthy on this mirror. Some overmantel mirrors were fitted with three smaller plates divided by mouldings or pilasters, which reduced their cost significantly. A large, single plate indicates the high original value of this piece.
The frieze is strongly influenced by the design from the Erechtheion (421BC-406BC) in Athens. A marble anta-capital from the east porch was purchased by the British Museum from Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin in 1816 close to the time this overmantel was made (museum no. 1816,0610.255). This design influenced cabinet makers such as George Bullock (c. 1782-1818), and one of the designs in his Wilkinson Tracings (City Museums and Art Gallery, Birmingham) also bears a striking resemblance to the frieze on this mirror frame.