CHARLES II BEADWORK MIRROR, SECOND HALF 17TH CENTURY

Depicting scenes from the Book of Esther.

Freeman's Auction, Philadelphia, November 13, 2013, sale 1476, lot 138.

Mirror plate with losses to silvering and foxing. Beadwork with some losses, most extensively to the bottom left corner where the flower is lacking. Metal border with losses, bending and replacements. The faces of the figures are all lacking. Some restorations to beadwork. This mirror underwent professional conservation in 2014. Some earlier restorations were taken away and new beads were added to those areas.
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.

Beadwork, like needlework, was produced by both young girls and professionals. Schools that taught needlework also taught this unique craft, as noted in an advertisement of 1681 by Hannah Woolley that stated "I can work well all manners of work.. all kinds of Beugle [bead]-work, upon wyers or otherwise..". Beads had been imported from Venice and Amsterdam as early as the 1630s. Beads, unlike silk threads, retain their colors so that beadwork mirrors reveal the original colorful quality of seventeenth century embroidery. A mirror of similar form was sold Sotheby's New York, June 9, 2014, lot 167.