Looking Glass 1762 - 1767

This "Looking Glass," crafted by John Elliott Sr., presents a fascinating play between form and function. The mirror’s wooden frame, approximately 48 inches tall, immediately draws the eye with its symmetrical design, subtly disrupted by the ornate crest. The undulating lines and curved forms at the crest contrast with the straight lines of the frame, creating a visual tension. This tension could be seen as reflecting broader aesthetic concerns of the 18th century, caught between the classical emphasis on order and symmetry, and a burgeoning interest in more dynamic and decorative forms. The materiality of the wood, with its dark, polished surface, adds a layer of richness, highlighting the craftsmanship involved. The mirror itself functions almost as a void within this structure, a space for reflection and perhaps, self-interrogation. Ultimately, this "Looking Glass" invites us to consider how an object can be both a functional item and a complex interplay of forms, lines, and materials, reflecting the values and aesthetic sensibilities of its time.