A GEORGE III GILTWOOD MIRROR ATTRIBUTED TO JOHN LINNELL

A fine mid 18th century Chippendale period carved giltwood mirror attributed to John Linnell, retaining the original mirror plates within a shaped frame of C-scrolls and acanthus leaves with floral garlands and opposing ho-ho birds to the sides, having a shaped glazed apron with central cartouche and a shaped top with urn finials on shaped platforms crested by a spray of leaves and fruit with shell motif below. Note: The attribution is based on close similarities to two sketches by John Linnell and now in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Two mirrors with similar outline and comparative carving, also attributed to Linnell, are illustrated in ‘The Dictionary of English Furniture’.

Literature: Percy Macquoid and Ralph Edwards, The Dictionary of English Furniture, revised edition, 1954, vol II, p. 339. figs. 74-5.
Helena Hayward and Pat Kirkham, William and John Linnell, Eighteenth Century London Furniture Makers, 1980, vol. II, pp. 94-6, illus.180-86.