Lot Essay
The use of large scale birds within a restrained outline of flowers puts these mirror-paintings within a distinctive group where the ornament is less densely drawn than on most examples. Another comparable pair of this type, although in later frames, were sold by H.J. Joel, Esq., Childwick Bury, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, Christie's house sale, 15 May 1978, lot 56.
The distinctive small paired S-scrolls within the frame apron, almost forming the letter f, relate very closely to the same detail on a pair of mirrors of similar size that were originally supplied to the 2nd Earl of Harrington (d. 1799) for Elvaston Castle, Derbyshire, and which were sold in these Rooms, 12 April 1996, lot 58.
The distinctive small paired S-scrolls within the frame apron, almost forming the letter f, relate very closely to the same detail on a pair of mirrors of similar size that were originally supplied to the 2nd Earl of Harrington (d. 1799) for Elvaston Castle, Derbyshire, and which were sold in these Rooms, 12 April 1996, lot 58.