An assembled pair of George III style giltwood oval mirrors

Arthur S. Vernay, Inc.

Overall good condition; the first with very minor separation at lines of construction around the edge of the frame, minor chip to lower right molded edge of frame as can be seen in the catalogue illustration; the other with some over-gilding to the left foliate carving with some minor age cracks to the frame; overall each with very minor chips to the gilding and with minor wear and age cracks throughout; the mirror plates each with minor losses, pitting and crystallization. Please note the dimensions for this lot are: Height 5 FT. 1 IN., Width 29 IN.; 154.9 CM; 73.7 CM
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Related designs for Adam-inspired 'Glass frames' were published by the enigmatic designer, Pastorini, in A New Book of Designs for Girandoles and Glass Frames in 1775, illustrated Elizabeth White, Pictorial Dictionary of British 18th Century Furniture Design, 1990, p. 347.  Similar designs were also executed by John Linnell, drawings for which are preserved in the Victoria and Albert Museum, illustrated Helena Hayward and Patricia Kirkham, William and John Linnell, 1980, vol. II.  A design for a similar frame for Lord Ely, circa 1775, carved with a beaded surround, fluting and gadrooning with pendent husk swags is illustrated, The Journal of the Furniture History Society, 1969, fig. 101, and a lyre-form girandole, Hayward and Kirkham, op. cit., vol. 1, p. 28.

A matched pair of George III style giltwood mirrors of almost identical form was sold, Christie's, New York, April 15, 2005, lot 206.