Through the Looking Glass

December 5, 2016

With its gilded C-shaped curves intertwined with floral vines, this miniature mirror is unmistakably Rococo style. Popular in Europe in the eighteenth century, Rococo style came to America via imported furniture, immigrant craftsmen, and pattern books. The full-scale inspiration for this work came from a Rococo mirror in the collection of the Winterthur Museum, attributed to Philadelphia furniture maker James Reynolds.

In creating the tiny looking glass, artist William R. Robertson researched the original mirror to determine scaled measurements. Using precision tools, he then carved the mirror’s frame in wood. Lastly, the frame was coated in gold leaf and fitted with a small mirror. The result is a Rococo miniature masterpiece worthy of taking a selfie in!