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Dressing glass
Marked by: WI (star below)
English (London)
1692–93
Object Place: Europe, London, England
Medium/Technique
Silver, walnut
Dimensions
H. 83.5 cm (32 7/8 in.); W. 54.9 cm (21 5/8 in.); D. 5.6 cm (2 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
Theodora Wilbour Fund in memory of Charlotte Beebe Wilbour
Accession Number60.945
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsSilver
DescriptionThe glass is of rectangular form with a shaped crest. The border is formed and chased with acanthus foliage, putti, and flower vases on a matted ground within gadrooned borders. The corner mounts are in the form of winged putti's heads. The arch-shaped crest consists of two putti holding a swag of fruits flanked by two vases with flowers, crowned by a winged cherub's head. The mirror is mounted with a walnut easel back; there is also a silver hook in the back from which the mirror can be hung. The wood substructure of the dressing glass is made in two parts: the frame and the removable crest. The crest is covered with a single silver panel, embossed and chased. The two putti, cast in parts, and the central boss of fruits and flowers are formed separately and bolted on. The four silver panels covering the sides of the frame are embossed and chased with cast and applied borders. The joins at the corners are covered with bosses in the form of an embossed and chased putto's head. All are attached to the silver structure with original silver screws.
Marks
On cresting and on each of the four frame panels, date letter P; maker's mark WI a star below (Jackson, 1921, p. 139; rev. ed. 1989, p. 137); leopard's head crowned; lion passant (repeated on the four corner mounts and on the central boss on the crest)
InscriptionsEngraved on back of proper right putto, scratch weight 153-10
ProvenancePurchased from Thomas Lumley, Ltd., London, by the MFA for £2,200. (Accession Date: September 21, 1960)