An Unusual and Elaborately Carved English Giltwood Mirror
Third quarter 19th century
Height: 72" Width: 37"
Inventory Number HPA42123
Price
$58,000
Description
The shaped mirror plates within an exceedingly unusual carved frame which includes a cresting carved with a seated man holding an eagle, flanked by an owl and a dog; the upper section with a fox with a goose in its mouth being chased by a woman holding a broom; carved throughout with scrolling acanthus leaves, flower heads, urns, Ho-Ho birds and hunting dogs.
Condition
Gilded in the last 50 years; originally carved limewood. Mirror plates antique.
Illustrated
J. Gloag & Y. Hackenbroch, English Furniture with Some Furniture of Other Countries in the Irwin Untermyer Collection, 1958, pls. 140 & 141.
See: Thomas Johnson, Designs, 1758, pl. 4.
Additional Information
Undoubtably inspired by one of Georgian England's most accomplished wood carvers and furniture designers, Thomas Johnson. With its unmistakable references to Aesop's Fables and the animal drawings of 17th century English painter Francis Barlow, this remarkable Victorian era pier mirror—originally in stained lime wood—was once an integral part of the esteemed collection of prominent New York figure Irwin Untermyer and was ultimately bequeathed to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.