Mirror 1715 - 1730

This mirror was made by John Belchier, an English cabinetmaker active in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The frame is carved from wood, likely oak or pine, then gilded with gold leaf. The curvaceous Baroque style, with its elaborate foliage and classical motifs, would have required skilled carving and joinery. The application of delicate gold leaf involved meticulous work, adhering thin sheets of gold to a prepared surface. Mirrors like this one weren't just functional objects, they were statements of wealth and status, reflecting the glow of candlelight and the faces of the elite. The mirror itself was a relatively new technology, and the quality of glass was a key aspect of its appeal. The labor involved in creating this mirror – from the felling of trees to the final polishing of the gilding – is a reminder of the immense amount of work embedded in luxury goods. Understanding these processes allows us to appreciate the historical context of the piece and challenge traditional distinctions between design, craft, and fine art.