Sunday Interiors
,
Sunday 24th November 2013 at 11.30am
75
261
AN IRISH GEORGE II GILTWOOD PIER
MIRROR, CIRCA 1740,
the original plate with re-entrant top corners
and carved-and-pierced trailing foliate border,
surmounted by pierced swan-neck scrolled-
rockwork pediment with flowerhead terminals,
flanking a central later applied perched eagle,
above flat carved scrollwork and shells, the apron
with central stylised scallop shell on a rockwork
ground, with outset scrolls and oak leaves, re-
gilded. 109cm high, 65cm wide
Note: a mirror of very similar form to the of-
fered lot is illustrated in the Knight of Glin
and James Peill, Irish Furniture, 2007, pl.222,
p.261; which notes another similar mirror sold
in Christie’s Birr Castle House Sale, 7th Octo-
ber 1981, lot 73. It is noted that the same carver
may have completed both mirrors, judging upon
similarities in the carving and design. Another
remarkably similar mirror was sold in Sotheby’s,
London, 27th April 2010, lot 357
The 18th Century saw many ‘improvements’
in Ireland following the turmoil of the 17th
century. There was a push from Irish nobility
to promote the country and the Arts, reflected
both inside and out. These improvements were
benchmarked perhaps by the establishment
of the Dublin Society in 1731. Designers were
brought from abroad to share their skills, visions
in architecture, stucco decoration and cabinet-
making. The developments in Guilds ensured
high standards of workmanship in the trades.
This mirror provides a fine example of 18th cen-
tury craftsmanship. It showcases period decora-
tive elements, such as swags of oak leaves to the
pierced borders, sacred to Jupiter, below scallop
shells, the symbol of Venus; which we see echoed
through furniture over the ages.
€6000 - 10000
