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

This detailed ink drawing, "Mirror with Sconces," is a plate from the first volume of Thomas Chippendale's "The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director." Published in 1754, the Director was a seminal work of the Rococo era, showcasing Chippendale's innovative furniture and decorative designs. This particular plate displays an elaborate design for a mirror frame with sconces, featuring intricate scrollwork, rosettes, and garlands of flowers. The drawing demonstrates Chippendale's mastery of the Rococo style, characterized by its delicate curves, asymmetry, and playful ornamentation. This plate, housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a valuable historical document for understanding the evolution of furniture design in the mid-18th century.