CIRCA 1755

Designed in the George II 'picturesque' fashion, this mirror's serpentine form accords with the 'line of beauty' discussed in the artist William Hogarth's Analysis of Beauty (1753); and illustrated in Thomas Chippendale's Gentleman and Cabinet-maker's Director (1754). Combining Earth, Air, and Water elements represented by foliage, reeds, birds and scalloped decoration, its composition typifies the French style popularized in the 1740s by the celebrated carver Matthias Lock (d. 1765), among others. In 1744 Matthias Lock was described as 'the famous Matthias Lock, the most excellent carver', and reputed to be 'the best Ornament draughts-man in Europe'. During the 1740s, he was also employed by James Whittle (d. 1759), 'Carver' to Frederick, Prince of Wales (d. 1752). Lock's own workshop is recorded as being occupied by 'upwards of thirty men' (Thomas Johnson, The Life of the Author, 1744, quoted in J. Simon, Furniture History, 2003, pp. 1-64).
This mirror specifically can be related to a number of other works produced by Lock or others working in his style. For example, similar busts modeled in the round to that found in the cresting of the present lot can be seen on a mirror attributed to Lock sold in Kentshire: A Legendary Collection at Sotheby's, New York, 18 October 2014, lot 321, as well as on a mirror in the style of Lock sold at Christie's, London, 23 May 2012, lot 340.