ROCOCO MIRROR DESIGNED BY AND ATTRIBUTED TO THOMAS JOHNSON

AN IMPORTANT GILTWOOD ROCOCO MIRROR DESIGNED BY AND ATTRIBUTED TO THOMAS JOHNSON RETAINING ITS ORIGINAL MIRROR PLATES AND CANDLE ARMS
English. Circa 1755.
Measurements
Height: 85 1/2" (217cm); Width: 48" (122cm); Depth: 10" (25cm)

Research:
Of carved giltwood. Surmounted by a reclining hunter holding a hare, the figure flanked by naturalistic and architectural decoration, above two seated hounds, the original central rectangular soft-bevelled mirror plate surrounded by shaped divided plates enclosed by a frame of acanthine c-scrolls and naturalistic decoration, the frame centered below by a mask of Diana surmounted by a crescent above a carved scrolling acanthine pendant and flanked by two original twisted bronze candle-arms, each terminating in an acanthine nozzle. Few small carved elements replaced. Original gilding refreshed in places. Some old minor restorations. Border plate with old crack.

Provenance:
UK private collection of a diplomatic couple who held posts in the British Embassy in Rome

Exhibited and Published:
Rococo: The Continuing Curve, 1730-2008. Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, New York, 2008.

The present mirror provides a rare and exciting example of furniture, which can be directly related to the renowned designer and carver Thomas Johnson (1714 – c.1778). The mirror is almost identical to a drawing by Johnson, which appeared as part of Plate 2 in his celebrated and highly influential Collection of Designs. Remarkably, it retains its original mirror plates, candle arms and gesso with areas of original gilding. It belongs to a small and elite group of English rococo mirrors which excel in their interpretation of the style. Not only does it follow one of Johnson’s most adventurous designs, but it is also executed with a dazzling degree of sculptural dexterity, which demonstrates a total mastery of the highly complex vocabulary of the rococo.

Full research report available on request.