Pier Glass 1850 - 1904

Robert William Hume created this design for a pier glass, a mirror that would hang between windows, likely in the 19th century. It's rendered in pen and watercolor, with meticulous detail given to the Louis Quatorze style ornamentation. Now, consider the labor involved if this were not just a drawing, but an actual object. The frame would have been painstakingly carved, likely in wood, then gilded with gold leaf. It speaks to a culture of conspicuous consumption, where elaborate decoration was a sign of wealth and status. Such a mirror wouldn't have been just functional; it would have been a statement, reflecting the affluence of its owner. Looking closely, you can imagine the skilled hands that would bring this design to life. Hume wasn't just an artist, he was also directing the work of many other makers. This drawing collapses the distinction between art and craft, reminding us that even the most luxurious objects are the result of human ingenuity and labor.