Pier Glass Frames, in Chippendale Drawings, Vol. I 1754

This is a drawing of pier glass frames made by Thomas Chippendale, an English cabinet-maker working in the 18th century. The drawing presents an elaborate design for mirror frames, showcasing Chippendale’s distinct Rococo style. Note how the symmetrical composition is disrupted by the organic asymmetry of the floral and foliate motifs; this tension gives the design its dynamism. The intricate details, rendered with delicate lines, exemplify the craftsmanship that Chippendale was known for. Consider how these frames, intended for mirrors, were not merely decorative but played a role in manipulating space and light within an interior. Mirrors were, in a sense, proto-cinematic devices, reflecting and altering one's perception of the architectural space. The elaborate design of the frames contributes to this effect by creating an interplay between reflection, illusion, and ornamentation. This drawing thus not only exemplifies a particular aesthetic style but also functions as a blueprint for the manipulation of space and perception.