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Lot Essay
Although the cabinet-maker for this impressive mirror is currently unknown, it clearly reflects his familiarity with the designs of two of his contemporaries: Matthias Lock (d.1765) and William and John Linnell. The distinctive eagle cresting can be seen in two designs for pier glasses by the Linnells (H. Hayward, William and John Linnell, New York, 1980, p.97, fig. 185 and p.107, fig. 208) and a related pair of mirrors were sold in Rooms as Portraits: Michael S. Smith, Eaton Square London; Christies, London,. 12 September 2018, lot 50.
The busts on the sides of the mirror are clearly indebted to the carver Matthias Lock (d. 1765) whose publication of ornamental pattern-books gained him recognition by 1744 as England's best draftsman. His patterns for sconce mirrors entitled Six Sconces, 1744, included one with related hermed pilasters (pl.4) and they are also featured in his New Book of Ornaments for Looking Glass Frames, 1752 (pl. 3). A related mirror featuring similar pilasters was supplied to John, 2nd Earl Tylney of Castlemaine (1712-1784), Wanstead House, Essex and sold in Dealing in Excellence, a Celebration of Hotspur and Jeremy; Christie’s, London 20 November 2008, lot 100. Another related mirror featuring similar pilasters was offered at Christie’s, London, 21 November 1968, lot 32.
The busts on the sides of the mirror are clearly indebted to the carver Matthias Lock (d. 1765) whose publication of ornamental pattern-books gained him recognition by 1744 as England's best draftsman. His patterns for sconce mirrors entitled Six Sconces, 1744, included one with related hermed pilasters (pl.4) and they are also featured in his New Book of Ornaments for Looking Glass Frames, 1752 (pl. 3). A related mirror featuring similar pilasters was supplied to John, 2nd Earl Tylney of Castlemaine (1712-1784), Wanstead House, Essex and sold in Dealing in Excellence, a Celebration of Hotspur and Jeremy; Christie’s, London 20 November 2008, lot 100. Another related mirror featuring similar pilasters was offered at Christie’s, London, 21 November 1968, lot 32.