Mirror, in Chippendale Drawings, Vol. I 1748 - 1758

This is a design for a mirror, in pen and ink, by Thomas Chippendale, dating back to the 18th century. Chippendale, a renowned furniture maker, lived in a society deeply shaped by the Enlightenment, colonial expansion, and distinct class structures. While his designs were celebrated by the elite, they were executed by skilled artisans, many of whose names are lost to history. The design reflects the grandeur and aspirations of the upper classes, who sought to mirror their status through elaborate furnishings. Consider, too, the material realities of mirror production at the time. Mirrors were luxury objects, often reflecting back not just an image, but also the wealth and power of their owners. What stories might be hidden behind this looking glass, reflecting the complex relationship between identity, artistry, and social standing?