AN IMPORTANT GEORGE II CARVED GILT WOOD OVAL MIRROR WITH A MIRROR BORDER circa 1755

the inner molding carved with egg-and-tongue ornament, the outer molded frame with foliate scrolls and continuing to an open foliate scroll crest centered by a reeded column with foliate collars supporting a stylized stiff leaf ornamented classical urn, the apron centered by a mirror inset with foliate ornamented tied C-scrolls.  Appears to retain the original worn gilded surface.

This fine mirror, its oval mirror-bordered frame enriched with acanthus scrolls, is related to a number of the surviving manuscript designs of John Linnell (1729 -d. 1796). Its design illustrates the emerging Neoclassical style, the foliate scrolled branches of the frame issuing from stylized ruffled flower-head collars in a freer and lighter style than the true rococo. Although the inner frame is carved with egg-and-tongue ornament, the crest is surmounted by an urn of classical form.

Although much of the gilding has been lost, the carving retains most of the original gesso and colored bole.