Design for a pier-glass from; A Miscellaneous Collection of Original Designs, made, and for the most part executed, during an extensive Practice of many years in the first line of his Profession, by John Linnell, Upholsterer Carver & Cabinet Maker. Selected from his Portfolios at his Decease, by C. H. Tatham Architect. AD 1800.
Drawing
late 18th century (made)
late 18th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This design for a pier-glass by John Linnell displays stylistic rococo features which were popular during the middle of the 18th century. The rococo was a style which became popular in England ca.1730 and often combined curvaceous forms with naturalistic motifs to create a flamboyant effect. Within this design, Linnell has used branches and leaves to adorn the sides of the frames, while the frame itself is decorated with leaves.
Pier-glasses were a popular form of household furnishing during the 18th century. They were originally intended to be hung on the wall in between two windows (the pier wall). Often pier-glasses were made to match pier-tables which would be situated underneath them. An elaborate pier-glass such as this could have been used within the state rooms of a wealthy such as the drawing room. Mirror glass was extremely expensive during the 18th century and even the wealthiest clients would often reuse existing mirror glass.
Pier-glasses were a popular form of household furnishing during the 18th century. They were originally intended to be hung on the wall in between two windows (the pier wall). Often pier-glasses were made to match pier-tables which would be situated underneath them. An elaborate pier-glass such as this could have been used within the state rooms of a wealthy such as the drawing room. Mirror glass was extremely expensive during the 18th century and even the wealthiest clients would often reuse existing mirror glass.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Design for a pier-glass from; A Miscellaneous Collection of Original Designs, made, and for the most part executed, during an extensive Practice of many years in the first line of his Profession, by John Linnell, Upholsterer Carver & Cabinet Maker. Selected from his Portfolios at his Decease, by C. H. Tatham Architect. AD 1800. (series title) |
| Materials and techniques | pencil, pen and ink and wash |
| Brief description | Design for a pier-glass in pen and ink and wash, from a volume of designs for furniture, interior decoration and architectural fittings, by John Linnell, Great Britain, late 18th century |
| Physical description | A design for a pier-glass in the rococo style. The frame is curved and formed from naturalistic ornamentation with branches of trees and leaves growing upwards at the sides. The pier-glass is formed from two mirrors, a long curved mirror is surmounted by a smaller cartouche-shaped mirror. One of a set of designs for furniture, including chairs and state beds, interior decoration, including pier glasses, and architectural fittings including chimney pieces and doors. In a volume. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This design for a pier-glass by John Linnell displays stylistic rococo features which were popular during the middle of the 18th century. The rococo was a style which became popular in England ca.1730 and often combined curvaceous forms with naturalistic motifs to create a flamboyant effect. Within this design, Linnell has used branches and leaves to adorn the sides of the frames, while the frame itself is decorated with leaves. Pier-glasses were a popular form of household furnishing during the 18th century. They were originally intended to be hung on the wall in between two windows (the pier wall). Often pier-glasses were made to match pier-tables which would be situated underneath them. An elaborate pier-glass such as this could have been used within the state rooms of a wealthy such as the drawing room. Mirror glass was extremely expensive during the 18th century and even the wealthiest clients would often reuse existing mirror glass. |
| Bibliographic reference | Victoria and Albert Museum, Department of Engraving, Illustration and Design and Department of Paintings, Accessions 1929, London: Board of Education, 1930. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | E.179-1929 |
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| Record created | June 30, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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