In the vibrant tapestry of early 18th-century England, under the reign of Queen Anne—the last Stuart sovereign who presided over the pivotal unification of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain—a remarkable piece of decorative art was conceived. This era, characterised by Queen Anne’s enthusiastic endorsement of the arts, bore witness to the creation of a mirror sconce that melded functionality with ornate aesthetics, reflective of the period’s sophisticated tastes and the monarch’s refined sensibilities.
Crafted circa 1710, this Queen Anne mirror sconce, possibly predating her reign, is an exquisite exemplar of the era’s craftsmanship. It features a richly hand-beveled, ornamented mercury mirror plate—a rarity in itself given the period’s limited technological advancements in glassmaking. The mirror plate, distinguished by its inset architectural engraving, showcases the intricate and meticulous work of the artisans of the time. This delicate engraving not only exemplifies the period’s artistic inclinations but also adds a layer of depth and narrative to the piece, inviting onlookers into a visual exploration of early 18th-century design motifs.
Encasing this ornate mirror plate is a silvered bollection molded frame, lavished with profuse decoration. The surface of the frame, a testament to the era’s love for elaborate and detailed embellishments, enhances the mirror’s allure, making it a striking decorative object that would have captivated the attention of contemporary beholders. The sconce candlearm, added at a later date, along with the reapplication of silvering, reveals a history of admiration and preservation, indicating the piece’s enduring appeal and significance over the centuries.
Measuring 90 cm (35.5 inches) in height and 57 cm (22.5 inches) in width, this mirror is not just a reflective surface but a piece of history, encapsulating the aesthetic preferences and technological capabilities of Queen Anne’s Britain. In a time when such objects were symbols of luxury and status, this sconce mirror stood as a testament to the owner’s wealth and taste, as well as to the artistic and cultural achievements of the era.
Positioned within the grand homes of the nobility or the emerging affluent classes, this mirror would have been a prized possession, reflecting not just the physical beauty of its surroundings but also the intellectual and cultural vibrancy of early 18th-century England. It remains, to this day, a precious relic of a bygone era, embodying the elegance, artistry, and historical depth of Queen Anne’s reign.
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Stock Number: 3614
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