A George III giltwood and painted overmantel mirror circa 1780

in the neo-classical style decorated with urns, medallions and laurel leaves, the divided plate flanked by reeded pilasters, gilding and painted decoration refreshed

Good overall restored condition. Minor blemishes to plates. Some restored cracks to upper panel surmounting plates. The painted decoration has been refreshed in places. There are some minor chips to paint and gilding.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The design of this elegant mirror with its urn, medallions and symmetrical scrolling foliate motifs,  is conceived in the strictly neo-classical manner popularised by Robert and James Adam.  They promoted this style by publishing over a period of fifty years ( the last being published nearly thirty years after their deaths ) in three volumes, The Works in Architecture of Robert and James Adam, a series of designs of buildings, interiors and furnishings in this neo-classical style.

The mirror would have been designed to harmonise with the decoration of the room for which it was intended. The medallions on each side depict Bacchic emblems and with the corn motifs suggest that the mirror was orginally conceived to be placed in a dining or eating room. 

The design of the present mirror is particularly close to Adam`s work at Derby House, Grosvenor Square, London, ( c.1773-5)  for Edward, Lord Stanley, later twelth Earl of Derby, which was demolished in 1862. The designs for the Etruscan room ( illustrated in  The Works in architecture of Robert and James Adam, vol. II ( 1779), pt.1, pl.VIII) and also in the design for the ceiling of the Great Drawing Room ( illustrated in Eileen Harris, The Genius of Robert Adam, London, 2001, pl. 427), all display the lightness and delicacy  of the present mirror.  Other design elements can also be seen in Osterley Park and Kenwood House, other major Adam houses, which include the eagle head motifs which can be seen in the eating room at  Osterley.