Michael Foster Antiques, London

The present mirror is a refined, minimal version of English Neoclassicism that still retains the vivacity of the Rococo. The naturalistic anthemion, scrolling foliage and simple frame border with Ionic capitals relate to the work of John Linnell. A drawing of an overmantel by Linnell illustrated in Helena Hayward, 'The Drawings of John Linnell in the Victoria and Albert Museum,' Furniture History V (1969), fig. 154 shows similar elements, as does a mirror sold Sotheby's London, November 20, 2007, lot 158.