Also known as “the miraculous mirror”, this optical device consists of a cylindrical pewter mirror that restores to its normal proportions an image distorted by the art of anamorphosis.
Constructed in pine with its original untouched ebonised and gilt Japanned decoration, along with its original cast pewter mirror, (small loss to bases decorative turned edge)
This example is together with 3 hand painted images on paper backed onto a mahogany support, subjects are a greyhound, Ram and a finely dressed Gentlemen.
Anamorphic paintings that require cylindrical mirrors to view, were popular in both Europe and the Orient in the 17th and 18th centuries.
After the 1745 Jacobite rebellion in Scotland, images showing the likeness of the Young Pretender (Bonnie Prince Charlie...
Category
18th Century European Antique Hand-Painted Scientific Instruments
MaterialsPine, Petrified Wood, Paper