Lot Essay
The mirror frame is serpentined in the George II picturesque manner. Its antique-fretted and waterscalloped border is wreathed by acanthus-wrapped ribbons, which tie bullmaces, sacred to the arcadian ruler Pan, at the sides. A flower-issuing cornucopia, emblematic of peace and plenty, emerges from the voluted pediment while Venus's shell badge is diplayed in a cartouche at the base. Its ornament such as the scallops, cresting, and bullmaces derive from 'sconce' patterns (plates 2 and 3) issued by the carver and ornament designer Matthias Lock (d. 1765) in his Six Sconces, 1744.
A related set of four mirrors, removed from Mereworth Castle, Kent, was sold by The Lady Anne Tree, in these Rooms, 23 May 1968, lot 116.
A related set of four mirrors, removed from Mereworth Castle, Kent, was sold by The Lady Anne Tree, in these Rooms, 23 May 1968, lot 116.