Superb Large George III Giltwood Neoclassical Pier Glass with Original Plate c. 1785

The pure gold gilding remains in lovely condition with only some slight rubbing to the high spots here and there which hint at the red bole clay coat below.

The frame with carved and applied decoration of foliage set with flowers, fruits and nuts entwined with ribbon, the exaggerated broken swan neck pediment carved with laurel leaf along its upper face and centred with a very detailed woven basket of flowers and with tall reeded Corinth columns with foliate capitals and classical decoration flanking the plate. These rise from blocked plinths decorated with drop bell husks. The lower apron with scrolls and ribbons.

Robert Adam and his brother James disseminated their design principals in ‘Works in Architecture’, which was published in parts from 1773 onwards. Their reference to the classical ornament of Greek and Roman architecture and sculpture, combined with a reworking of renaissance sources, became so fashionable in the latter part of the 18th century that Neoclassical designs came to exemplify the expression of good taste and refinement.

This mirror was made by hand during this revolutionary period in British design and is a wonderful, fine quality example.