A George II carved giltwood oval pier mirror circa 1745

Re-gilt, restorations to cresting, mirror glass later.

Overall good restored condition; re-gilt; the back of the cresting with some replacements to the carving; some old repaired breaks and chips to carving; minor rubbing and wear to the gilding; the later mirror glass with minor pitting and small losses to the silvering with minor crystallization.
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.

The strength of the design of this mirror illustrates the earlier Palladian influence combined with the lighter rococo, and with classical elements such as the prominent bearded mask of a god ornamenting the apron, the palm branches, and the abundant swags of fruit and flowers. The overall design and elements of this mirror are closely related to a group of mirrors, probably of a slightly later date, which was formerly at St. Giles's House, Dorset.  Of a slightly larger scale, these were almost certainly commissioned for the house by the 4^th Earl of Shaftesbury, one of the group being sold, Sotheby's, New York, April 19, 2002, lot 705.  Unfortunately the surviving Shaftesbury account books contain only brief references to London cabinetmakers, preventing any positive attributions to be made regarding possible craftsmen employed in the furnishing of the house.  In this context the firms of Vile and Cobb and James Whittle and Samuel Norman have been suggested, the former supplying related mirrors to the 4^th Earl of Coventry in 1761, the latter having supplied similar mirrors for the saloon at Holkham.  It should be noted that Samuel Norman married the daughter of William Hallett, one of the few recorded cabinetmakers known to have worked at St. Giles's House.