Lot 67
67
A GEORGE I GILT-GESSO GIRANDOLE MIRROR

CIRCA 1720

Details
A GEORGE I GILT-GESSO GIRANDOLE MIRROR
circa 1720
The rectangular bevelled plate within a molded surround, the swan's neck cresting centering a cartouche carved with the cypher 'RC' flanked by feathers and fanning eagle's heads, the base with central scallop shell flanked by a pair of later brass candlearms, retaining original gilt surface
98in. (122cm.) high, 26in. (66cm.) wide
Provenance
Sold in these Rooms, 12 October 1991, lot 80
Sotheby's New York, 24-25 April 1992, lot 469

Lot Essay

This mirror sconce is inspired by designs by Daniel Marot published in his Oeuvres in 1703. This work included a collection of designs for goldsmiths entitled Nouveaux Livres d'Orfevrerie. Among these are illustrated a silver mirror-sconce in a related Greek "pelta" shield form surmounted by Joves' eagles heads and centering a crown. The "RC" cypher on the offered lot, conjoined and addorsed within a shield, would indicate that the mirror was commissioned by a baronet. The quality of the carving is comparable to pieces attributed to John Gumley and James Moore, appointed cabinet-makers to the king in 1714.