This design for a pier-glass by John Linnell demonstrates rococo characteristics which were popular in furniture design during the middle of the 18^th century. The rococo, which became fashionable ca.1730, was typified by curvaceous forms, asymmetry and flamboyance, similar to the ornamentation within this design. Linnell’s elegant incorporation of festoons of flowers within his designs for pier-glasses display the popularity of floral, rococo ornamentation but also his own imaginative skill. The pierced lattice work pattern is a common Linnell decorative feature. The motif of the flower basket was also used repeatedly by Linnell but was uncommon in the work of his contemporaries such as Thomas Chippendale and Matthias Lock. A pier-glass surmounted by a basket of flowers (but different to this design) was ordered by Sir Monoux Cope, 7th Baronet for his house Bramshill, Hampshire ca.1755-1760.

The use of yellow and blue watercolour within this design indicates that the frame would have been gilded. It also displays that this piece could have been used by Linnell as a presentation piece to show clients.

Pier-glasses were a popular form of household furnishing during the 18^th century. They were originally intended to be hung on the wall in between two windows (the pier wall) and assisted in lighting the interior by reflecting candle light. 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 interior where other items of furniture in the rococo style would also be placed.