A FREDERIK I MIRROR OF EXCEPTIONALLY LARGE SCALE ATTRIBUTED TO GUSTAV PRECHT

June 10 2009, 1:59pm

Stockholm. Circa 1725. This imposing mirror is attributed to Gustav Precht, the renowned craftsman and scion of the celebrated Precht family, which was prominent in the Swedish decorative arts during the early 18th century. The form of the present mirror is characteristic of Precht’s work, taking the shape of a rectangular mirror plate surmounted by arched cresting, supported by two opposing scrolls and flanked with a decorative element. The decoration of the present mirror is another hallmark of Precht’s work. Its delicate foliate strapwork is reminiscent of the designs of Jean Bérain (1637-1711), Dessignateur de la Chambre et du Cabinet du Roi whose scrolling ornament became one of the distinguishing characteristics of the Louis XIV style. In the present mirror and both aforementioned examples the Bérainesque patterns are engraved into mirror glass frames, which Precht favored as elegant alternatives to the carved giltwood which was prevalent in most contemporary mirror design.