An unusual Regency giltwood convex mirror

An unusual Regency giltwood convex mirror
English. Early Nineteenth Century.
Measurements
Height: 42 1/2" (108 cm); Width: 29 1/2" (74.9 cm); Depth: 3 1/2" (8.9 cm).

Research:
Of giltwood, ebonized wood and gilt composition. The circular convex mirror plate with ebonized slip, within a cavetto molded frame, surrounded by repeating ball ornament; with a flaming demi-urn applied to each side, and centered to the bottom by carved tongue and dart motif and old but later inverted knop. The top crested by a vasiform plateau possibly originally with some carved element resting on it. With central flowerhead flanked by acanthus leaves and acanthine ‘handles,’ issuing to each side a scrolled wire, terminating in a central flowerhead. Possibly originally conceived with candlearms. Some restoration to gilding and composition elements. Most of the gilding is original.

One of the earliest and best-known depictions of a convex mirror occurs in the Arnolfini Wedding Portrait by Jan Van Eyck in 1434 (National Gallery, London). It is interesting to note that in this highly symbolic portrait the mirror is thought to represent the Eye of God watching over the newly married couple.

To make a convex plate at this early date probably involved use of the blown method, an extremely skilled and costly process that made such pieces the preserve of the very wealthy. It was not until the latter part of the eighteenth century that such mirror plates could be made in a mold, thus allowing a wider scale of production. This more efficient, less costly approach promoted a great fashion for this type of mirror in England and it was widely popular among the high society. Curiously, no other European country adopted the convex mirror type as widely; it remained a peculiarly English fashion.

This present, very attractive mirror deviates from the more formulaic examples in that its light and elegant cresting and other carved elements still have echoes of late eighteenth century English neoclassicism as practiced by Robert Adam and John Linnell among other leading designers and makers that served the aristocracy and newly burgeoning super wealthy merchant class.

Full research available on request.