George I Mirror in the Manner of John Belchier

Description

Very fine George I carved and gilt mirror, circa 1720, in the manner of John Belchier having an ostrich feather plume over tasseled central lambrequin, deep projecting scroll carved flourishes, the original beveled mercury glass plate having strapwork border and with scrolled knuckles at the top, the frame with carved gesso foliate design and punched decoration. John Belchier is known to have supplied several mirrors with very similar details. The distinctive scrolls at the top of the mirror plate are often associated with Belchier and feature on examples at Erddig, (one of the most important houses in Wales) the Metropolitan Museum and Colonial Williamsburg. Belchier is one of the few makers of his time to label some of his output, which makes other attributions possible, but no doubt other makers adopted the practice. Mirrors from this era retaining original beveled glass are scarce and sought after.