Photo © Israel Museum, Jerusalem, by David Harris

Mirror
ca. 1755
Carved giltwood
H: 94 cm; W: 162 cm
Gift of David Berg, New York, to American Friends of the Israel Museum, In memory of his mother Ida Berg
Accession number: B90.0535
 
 
A George II carved giltwood overmantel mirror in the rococo manner, incorporating small platforms to display pieces of oriental porcelain.
This mirror shows the curious mingling of the rococo and oriental influences on design in the mid-18th century, which, although alien in culture, is surprisingly successful as is illustrated here. The Chinese pagoda, with its typical lattice work palings, is surrounded by naturalistic leafy branches, C scrolls, rocaille work and stylised leaves. The graceful curves of the lower part of the mirror frame indicate that it would originally have been supported on a mantelpiece of conforming shape.

Publications:
The Eighteenth Century English Dining Room, Israel Museum, Jerusalem

Digital presentation of this object was made possible by: The Ridgefield Foundation, New York, in memory of Henry J. and Erna D. Leir