George I - Pier Glass Mirror - John Belchier

£ POA An important early 18th century George I Gilt Gesso Pier glass/mirror, circa 1720-1730. England Attributed to John Belchier: The shaped and softly bevelled looking-glass sits within an upright gilt gesso moulded frame, decorated with a finely carved shell, scrolling lobed acanthus corners and a shaped apron of scrolls centred by a naturalistic shell and eagle heads. Bold volute scrolls appears to be one of the recurrent aesthetic elements found on mirrors executed by John Belchier as are eagle heads. However, other aspects widely associated with Belchier’s work is the inclusion of foliate strap work decoration terminating in an acanthus scroll, and a Venus-shell apron. All of which can be seen on the present mirror. Condition: Retaining most of its original gilding with added gilt cream in places. Original mercury plate. One, later rear backing board. Provenance; The Estate of late Sir Geoffrey Hugh Eastwood KCVO. Major Geoffrey Eastwood, C.V.O., C.B.E. of the Household Cavalry and Equerry to Princess Mary as a young officer. Who was the controller of Hampton Court and knighted in 1956 with a Grace and Favour Home until his death in the early 1980s. £ POA