Design for Two Plain Tabletop Mirrors 1800 - 1850

This anonymous design drawing from the early 19th century depicts two tabletop mirrors, likely intended for a domestic setting. The artist uses a simple, elegant line to render the mirrors' rectangular frames and their elegant, curved supports. The subtle shading and light washes of watercolor suggest the form of the mirrors without distracting from their overall design, making this a practical and aesthetically pleasing design for the everyday use of mirrors in a home setting. The drawing is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.