The oval mercury plates are set within finely carved openwork frames with asymmetrical ornament composed of scrolling acanthus, foliate sprays, pierced rocaille elements, and stylized shell motifs. The frames are surmounted by boldly carved crestings and terminate in richly modeled lower crests.

The surviving gilding, softened over time, gives the mirrors considerable depth and warmth. The mirrors reflect a vernacular interpretation of the English Rococo, with fluid carving and richly modeled ornament throughout. The later antique mercury plates complement the carving and reinforce the distinctly eighteenth-century character of the pair.

I like pairs that don’t feel too well behaved. These have enough movement and irregularity to keep them from ever feeling stiff, and the vernacular quality really adds to their charm.