Looking Glass

Dateca. 1725

Attributed to John Belchier (d. 1753)

MediumWood, gesso, gilt, and glass

DimensionsOH: 6' 5 1/2"; OW: 30"; OD: 3"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1975-248

DescriptionLooking glass with a horizontally divided beveled, arched rectangular plate within a gilded molded frame headed by large incurving scrolls; the arched and scrolled crest contains foliate plumes emanating from a scrolled and tasseled plinth; matte ground of frame contains carved strapwork and foliage including pendant bellflowers descend from outer scrolls near the top of the mirror plate; two three-dimensional carved birds' (eagle's?) heads curve around frame at sides by divide of mirror plates; scrolled base of frame with strapwork and foliate carving around a central scallop shell.
InscribedGraphite inscriptions from different hands on the backboards:
"No 11 Room/ L14.00.0/ E Room/ No"