Looking glass

Dateca. 1805

Maker Thomas Fentham

MediumWood, glass, gesso, gilding, and paint

DimensionsOH: 67"; OW: 42"; OD: 3 1/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1971-389

DescriptionPillar looking glass; rectangular frame with cornice molding at top containing a frieze with a carved bowknot and vine with projecting sections at each end also containing a carved frieze; below cornice is a central section containing a rectangular églomisé section at the top painted with a patterned dark border around a white reserve with a swag of leaves with roses at center supported by two bowknots, all over a vertical rectangular mirror; center section flanked on either side by a pair of fluted, carved, and gilded pilasters with foliate carved capitals which in turn flank a tall rectangular églomisé panel painted with a gilded urn and vertical vine on a black background; frame has a plain base supporting each element.
MarkingsLabel reads, "THOMAS FENTHAM, No [?136] STRAND, NEAR SOMERSET HOUSE, Manufacturer of Looking-Glasses, CONVEX and CONCAVE MIRRORS, AND ALL SORTS OF PICTURE and GLASS FRAMES. GLASS for EXPORTATION."