AUCTION FINDS OF THE WEEK- JULY 1ST: MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL...
by Kelly Keating on 07/01/13
Mirror, mirror on the wall... This week's auction finds are all mirrors from various periods and in differing styles. A well-placed mirror can brighten a room and give it a sense of greater space. Even more importantly, it can be the focal point of an entire room around which the whole design coalesces. A looking glass through its design sets the tone for the room and can be the starting point for a large wall grouping. All the items this week are being auctioned off at Christie's at their Interiors sale on July 23-24, 2013.
This week's first discovery is a bit over the top, but it suits me just fine. Lot 340 is a North Italian giltwood mirror from Tuscany circa late 18th centuy. It is being offered with a pre-sale estimate of $3,000-5,000. There is a luxury and richness to a giltwood mirror whether it is sleek or very elaborate as lot 340 that works in most spaces. Introducing a metallic into a room is always well-received. This large mirror (79"x36") is Neo-classical in style and features a crest of a central phoenix holding a shield flanked by 2 other phoenix. Dripping elegantly down the side from the crest are lovely bellflowers. The glass of the mirror has lost its silvering here and there which contributes to its air of faded elegance. I see this mirror working in both a simple setting with neutral, rich fabrics becoming the focal point of the room or in a very elaborate setting where it is part of a whole intricate ensemble.
The next mirror discovery is also Neo-classical in style and giltwood in form, but early 20th century in date. Lot 252 is an English Edwardian giltwood mirror with a pre-sale estimate of $1,000-1,500. The acanthus leaf detailing of the crest and the swagging bell flowers attest to its Neo-classical style. The mirror is a wonderful oval and a large size at 52"x29".
The third discovery this week is quite a departure from the first two. Lot 449 is an Art Deco wrought iron mirror from the second quarter of the 20th century. It is being offered with a pre-sale estimate of $1,000-1,500. With a lengthwise oriented oval this mirror has simple scrolling at the ends and is hung with a tasseled cord. The surface of the mirror frame is enhanced by a ridging texture that enlivens its surface and suggest the industrial and mechanical nature of Art Deco. It is not a very large mirror, but could be a nice complement over a Deco sideboard or a Mid-century Modern piece.
The next 2 finds are English mirrors from the George II period who reigned as King from 1727-1760. Lot 387 is a walnut and parcel-gilt mirror from the mid-18th century. In its scrolling outline, rich wood grain, broken pediment, swirling acanthus leaves and rich gilding, it is evocative of the Rococo period. It has a pre-sale estimate of $3,000-5,000. Quite a grand piece which would need to occupy the right seating in order to really work in the space.
The second George II mirror is much simpler in design. Lot 347 is an English mahogany parcel-gilt mirror from the late 18th/early 19th century. This mirror demonstrates a move away from the curving forms of the Rococo to a simpler Neo-classical style with its rectalinear shapes and severe pediment. I adore the small gilt balls on the bottom of the mirror. It has a pre-sale estimate of $4,000-6,000.
The last discovery this week is a mirror that does not hang on the wall. Rather it is freestanding and would be great in a bedroom or even more fabulous in a neutral all-white bathroom. Lot 537 is a Regency mahogany cheval mirror circa 1820 with a pre-sale estimate of $1,500-2,000. It has lovely reeded legs with brass paw feet and is on wheels. What a great piece!
A mirror can be the dramatic focal point of a room as well as making the space feel brighter and bigger. All of this week's finds would be an expressive addition any room. Perhaps the first more elaborate and fancy George II mirror might be a tough sell, but it certainly wouldn't be missed. I hope this week's finds provided some inspiration for the creation of your own space.
If you need help finding a mirror or another antique or vintage object, please contact me at [email protected].
Till next week,
Kelly T Keating
www.theantiqueflaneur.com
