A PAIR OF REGENCY CONVEX MIRRORS 

A pair of early 19th century convex mirrors, each with a carved bow and ribbon suspending a concave moulded giltwood frame, set with gilt balls and an ebonised slip, the mirror frame crested by an eagle clutching a serpent, the apron with a carved bow sprouting upright fronds to a wreath and pendent tassels, the sides with original brass twin candle arms. Each with original convex mirror plate.
England, circa 1820
The serpents repainted. The gilding refreshed.


The Empire circular convex mirror was introduced from France, where they had been made as early as 1756. This style of mirror became so popular under the heading ‘Mirrors’, in Sheraton’s 'Cabinet Dictionary' (1803), that they are the only style mentioned. Convex mirrors were said to “strengthen the colour and take off the coarseness of objects by contracting them”. The delicate and finely carved mounts and the particularly close distribution of the gilt balls set along the borders of these mirrors, would suggest they was made within the first few years of the 19th century.


Literature:
Cf.: R. Fastnedge, 'Regency furniture, 1795-1830', R. MacLehose and Company Ltd., 1965, page 94.

CONDITION REPORT ON REQUEST.