Blog 3: Antiques Hunter

According to Rococo: The Continuing Curve 1730-2008, Rococo design is "Sinuous, organic, sensuous - that is the mantra" (Coffin. S. D., Davidson, G. S., Lupton, E., & Hunter-Stiebel, P., 2008, p. 5). This mirror, with its a-symmetry, guilding, and sinuous, curvilinear shapes, portrays classic features of eighteenth century rococo design. The scroll-like curves give the impression of water and this, coupled with the budding roses and fruit, portray an extremely organic theme.


This piece has been crafted in a sumptuous style and "made for the life of society" (Bazin. G. 1964, p. 206.). It is assumed that a lower-class tradesman skilled in wood carving and/or guilding crafted this design to answer the French aristocrats’ obsession with the style. (Coffin. S. D. et al, 2008).The need to be modern and lavish was very important and "rococo style took on the character of an epidemic". (Coffin. S. D. et al, 2008).


The success of rococo design can be largely accredited to not only the craftsmen, but the members of society who supported it. As Coffin et al state, "the enthusiasm of individual patrons launched the style" (Coffin. S. D. et al, 2008, p. 7). Along with the individuals, society played a large part in rococo's success. "The rococo impulse rose to prominence in societies that were stable, prosperous and open enough to encourage this clearly nonessential production". (Coffin. S. D. et al, 2008, p. 7). The impracticality of rococo design was a fashion statement of luxury that portrayed to others how wealthy the owners were.


This vintage mirror has not only delicate, fluid, guilded rococo design, but also a detailed cultural history attached to it. Without the history and wealth of the time, art of this detail and design aesthetic may not exist.


References

Coffin, S. D., Davidson, G. S., Lupton, E. & Hunter-Stiebel, P. (2008). Rococo: The Continuing Curve, 1730-2008. New York, USA: Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, Smithsonian Institution.

Bazin, G. (1964) Baroque and Rococo. London: Thames and Hudson Limited.