AN IMPORTANT GEORGE III CARVED GILT WOOD OVAL MIRROR circa 1770

the oval plate within a conforming molded frame wrapped with scrolling leaves and further framed by curved foliate, husk, and bulrush ornamented branches, centered at the top with a foliate scrolled cartouche above a stylized ribbed shell, the open apron carved with a stylized fanned shell within a cartouche of foliate ornamented C-scrolls.  Re-gilt.

Sotheby's, New York, November 19, 2001

See:

Charles Saumerez Smith, Eighteenth Century Decoration,New York, 1993, pp. 246,247, no. 237

Helena Hayward and Pat Kirkham, William and John Linnell, London, 1980

Leeds Art Calender, no. 69, 1971, Ivan Hall, 'Newly discovered Chippendale drawings relating to Harewood', pp. 5-17, figs. 1-2

In good restored condition – re-gilt. The gilding with a less yellow hue than the illustration on the right page, and with a softly worn surface. Some small losses to the extremities of some of the leaves. Mirror plate old, but possibly not original, with some small blemishes and losses to the silvering which can be seen in the illustration.
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 design for this mirror is closely related to the documented manuscripts and commissions of John Linnell (1729-1796) which include several examples formed as sweeping palm branches ornamented with bulrushes and rococo shells framing oval mirror plates as seen in the present lot. Another cabinetmaker who used these details was Thomas Chippendale, a manuscript design for a looking glass, now in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, which has similar palm fronds framing the mirror plate.(See: Christopher Gilbert, The Life and Work of Thomas Chippendale, London, 1978, vol. II, p. 77, figs. 118, 119).