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Carved Gilt-Wood Pier or Over-mantle Mirror

Creator: Charles N. Robinson (Attributed)
Offered by: Carswell Rush Berlin Antiques

Description
CARVED GILT-WOOD PIER OR OVER-MANTLE MIRROR
Attributed to Charles N. Robinson
Philadelphia, c. 1840

The paneled and gilded rectangular frame with bold acanthus leaf carving at the corners and mid-span between the corners holding the original single heavy plate glass.

60" x 33"

Condition: Excellent: In near pristine original condition with all original gilding, mirror plate and back board.

The attribution to Charles N. Robinson is based on a very closely related labeled mirror in the collection of the Athenaeum of Philadelphia. The label on their mirror reads:

CHARLES N. ROBINSON
LOOKING GLASS MANUFACTURER...
Importer of Plate Glass, engravings, &c., No. 86 Chestnut Street, directly opposite Congress Hall Philadelphia
At whose establishment may always be found an extensive assortment of PIER, MANTEL & CHAMBER LOOKING-GLASSES, From the most celebrated French and British Factories, Framed in every variety of style, and finished under his immediate inspection. Also, carved and gilt brackets, large and small size Mahogany, Ash & Maple Frame Glasses, Toilet & Swing do.
Together with large variety of Portrait and Picture Frames, Finished either in Burnish, Matt, or Oil Gilding, of every pattern, constantly on hand, or finished to order at short notice.
Looking-Glasses re-silvered and Frames Re-Gilt.
An immense assortment of ENGRAVING on hand, in the sheet, suitable for FRAMING or Port Folios; all of which are offered at Low Prices, WHOLESALE OR RETAIL. Country Merchants and others, having Orders for any article connected with the Looking-Glass and Print Business, can have them executed at this Old Establishment, at short notice and Lowest Prices.
...Printing Office, Ledger Building, Philadelphia.

It appears that Robinson's design for the acanthus leaf carving was inspired directly from Asher Benjamin's 1811 publication. Robinson was active in Philadelphia between 1811 and 1856 and at 86 Chestnut from 1837-1849. An even larger version of this mirror is available on this website.

More Information

Notes:	Relates closely to labeled mirror at the Athenaeum of Philadelphia
Origin:	United States, Pennsylvania
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Carved and gilded wood
Condition:	Good.
Creation Date:	c.1840
Styles / Movements:	Classical, William IV, Traditional
Book References:	Asher Benjamin, The American Builder's Companion; or A New System of Architecture, 2nd edition (Charlestown: Samuel Etheridge, 1811), pl. 30, drawn by Daniel Raynerd.
Dealer Reference #:	M-BBO-061141
Incollect Reference #:	341453

Dimensions

W.	33 in;	H.	60 in;
W.	83.82 cm;	H.	152.4 cm;

Message from Seller:

Welcome to Carswell Rush Berlin Antiques, a premier New York City-based dealer specializing in American antique furniture and decorative accessories from the Classical period (1800-1840). For inquiries, please contact us at 646.645.0404 or email carswellberlin@msn.com.

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