Gustaviansk
A Gustavian Mirror, late 18th Century
Gilded and bronzed, with painted fields. Decor of pearl band, urn, and ribbon crest.
Stockholm hallmarks and stamp EH. 130 x 48 cm.
Later glass, later painting and bronzing. Minor repairs, loss of decoration and wear.
Provenance
Purchased at Bukowskis Christmas Auction 11-13 December 1940, catalogue no. 220
Designer
The Gustavian era fell between 1775 and 1810. The furniture then takes on, in contrast to Rococo, a more restrained contour. The legs become straighter and tapered, the colours become softer in mostly grey-green and grey-blue tones. Typical to the Gustavian time is intarsia, inlays with medallions and classical borders. The chairs backrests are often straight spindles or a curved bundle of spindles, with the finer chairs have a padded back with a rosebud decoration at the top. A significant detail is the flower, "fleuron", which is often found in corner ornaments, leaf scroll decoration, and festoons of leaves, flowers, or fruits. Between the years of 1785-1810 is commonly known as the late-gustavian era and is known for its rigid clacissism. Rich intarsia decoration was replaced by smooth, dark mahogany with elegant brass fittings and moldings.
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