Design for Pier Table and Gold Mirror: Front and Side Elevations 1815 - 1840

Here is a design for a pier table and gold mirror, rendered in watercolor, of unknown authorship. Notice the elaborate ornamentation, the acanthus leaves, and scrolling patterns which evoke a timeless reverence for classical antiquity. The mirror, a symbol of reflection and self-awareness, has ancient roots, seen in myths where gazing into water reveals hidden truths. Here, the mirror is framed by ornate gold, a precious material associated with divinity and status, enhancing its allure. Below, a statuette reminds us of the classical ideal. These motifs speak to the human desire for beauty and order. The impulse to decorate our surroundings with symbols of power and permanence taps into a primal need for psychological stability. This design, though seemingly simple, is a repository of cultural memory, echoing through centuries.