Design for a Mirror Surmounted by a Vase 1770 - 1821

This design for a mirror by John Yenn, created between 1770 and 1821, depicts a simple yet elegant frame with a delicate floral motif. The mirror itself is surrounded by a wreath of laurel leaves and adorned with a vase surmounted by a sculpted bust. This piece exemplifies the Neoclassical style, which was popular during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and which emphasized symmetry, proportion, and classical motifs. The design's refined simplicity suggests the influence of the classical past, while its intricate details reveal the artistry of the English Rococo. The piece, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, offers a glimpse into the decorative tastes of the late 18th century.