English Carved and Gilded Palladian Mirror

A fine carved and gilded English Palladian looking glass with a straight broken carved and molded pediment centered by a cartouche, the frieze with carved gesso floral motifs over a carved and molded frame with carved gesso floral motifs, the base shaped with similar motifs, the glass is period and likely original but re-silvered. The gilding is of a later date. Circa 1740 Ht. 62" Width 34"

Architectural "pier" mirrors were designed to reflect the classical taste that emerged in the United Kingdom from 1720-50, popularized by William Kent whose work at Houghton Hall in Norfolk and Chiswick House in London for Robert Walpole helped to establish the Palladian style. This mature style reflects the confidence of the English republic, seen by many in the English nobility, most notably Robert Boyle, Lord Burlington, as an amended and improved version of the first great republic, Rome.