CIRCA 1810-20

Circular convex mirrors as in the present example were popular in Regency furnishing from circa 1795 to the 1820's signifying an increased use of wall mirrors in general as a result of the epoch's addiction to light and space, by 1803 Sheraton observed that they were 'universally in fashion'. George Smith described them in 1808 as 'an elegant and useful ornament, reflecting objects in beautiful perspective on their convex surfaces; the frames, at the same time they form an elegant decoration on the walls' (George Smith's Collection of Designs for Household Furniture and Interior Decoration, reprinted London, 1970, plates 135 and 136). The more solid modelling of the foliage on this mirror suggests that it is a later example from the period.