A GEORGE III GILTWOOD CARTON-PIERRE MIRROR

CIRCA 1780

Details

A GEORGE III GILTWOOD CARTON-PIERRE MIRROR
CIRCA 1780
The central oval plate surmounted by winged griffins within stiff-leaf divided borders above a ram's mask and floral swags
65 in. (165 cm.) high, 32 in. (81 cm.) wide

Lot Essay

Apollo's griffins, emerging from Roman foliage in the arabesque manner derive from an engraving published by R. and J. Adam in their Works in Architecture, 1774 (vol. 1, no. II, pl. VIII), and reflect the George III Roman fashion popularized by R. and J. Adam. Guarding a Grecian urn, the griffins were intended to evoke Antique sacrifices at Love's altar.

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