A Fine 18th Century George II Period Tabernacle Mirror
£7,900
SOLD
A fine mid-18th century burr walnut and parcel gilded tabernacle mirror, in the manner of William Kent, the broken swan pediment surmounted with a carved eagle, the kit-kat frame with shaped apron and flanked with foliate swags, all housing a rectangular bevelled plate.
The elegance of works crafted in the Georgian era is demonstrated beautifully in the ornate symmetry of this mirror, broken only by the bird in the cresting. This piece belongs to the bold Neo-Palladian style, most closely associated in England with the works of William Kent, architect and artist, who favoured heavy, architectural, sculpture-like features, found in the architecture of Andrea Palladio (1508-1580).
The mirror is made from applied walnut veneers, articulated by carved gilt gesso ornament. At this time walnut was the timber of choice in fine cabinet making, owing to its rich colour and figuring. This mirror beautifully marries Kentian classicism with domestic functionalism and would have formed part of a uniquely classical scheme.
