Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art has dated this William and Mary Marquetry Mirror to the 17th Century.
An antique mirror glass should not be perfect; the silvering is often worn.
Mirror glass was a great luxury during the late 17th century, for it was in short supply and, at the time, only produced and exported from Italy. A large example such as this rare William and Mary mirror would have belonged to a family of great wealth and prestige. Since the process to produce mirrored glass was so costly and labour-intensive, the frames that surrounded these treasured items were important in both function and design. It seems odd to modern minds that the mirror glass was much more valuable than the exquisite frames, which were there just to protect the glass.
When choosing a mirror for any room in your house, remember that mirrors give space...they don't take up space. A small rooms is instantly larger when a mirror is placed in it. A gloomy hall can be transformed by a judiciously placed mirror. Pier mirrors were often placed between windows where the wall was dark to add light and air. So, don't assume that your small room will need a small mirror; just the opposite may be true.
SIZE: 32.75 x 25.25 inches.
PROVENANCE: Private Collection.
Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art has dated this William and Mary Marquetry Mirror to the 17th Century.
Roy and nadine precious: specialists in portraiture from the 16th to the 20th century. Established in 1972.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art Profile Page
William and Mary marquetry mirror c.1695.
