A Rare 18th Century George III Period Carton Pierre Girandole
£2,900
SOLD
A mid-18th century water-gilded carton-pierre girandole, in the rococo manner, the asymmetric frame comprising C-scrolls, foliage and icicles and having a double candle arm of branches with acorns, with gilt metal candle socles in the form of oak leaves.
Carton-pierre is an early form of papier-mache, used to resemble wood and stone: the name literally translates as ‘cardboard stone’. In the 18th century, it was occasionally used in the construction of furniture, objects, and also mirrors.
This mirror would have originally hung in a grand yet intimate room. Its form exemplifies the mid-18th century fascination with nature. Made circa 1760, it belongs to the most exaggerated chapter of rococo design. The incorporation of scrolls and rocks together with oak branches and acorns reflects the mid-Georgian imagination perfectly.
