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Dressing Table Mirror
Public Domain

Anthony Nelme

Dressing Table Mirror

1690-1691

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Anthony Nelme

Dressing Table Mirror

1690-1691

Physical Qualities Sterling Silver, applied gilt decoration, replaced glass, 24 1/4 x 17 in. (61.6 x 43.2 cm.)
Credit Line Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth S. Battye Fund
Object Number 1982.3
Emblazoned with an applied crest initialed JB, this imposing mirror once jostled for space upon the dressing table of Judith Bridgeman, daughter of Sir John Bridgeman, second baronet, of Castle Bromwich in Warwick County, England. As befit her aristocratic lineage, the mirror was part of a lavish silver and parcel gilt toilet service, comprising twenty-one pieces, including tazze (footed dishes), candlesticks, brushes, scent bottles, boxes, and even a pin cushion. When designing Judith’s baroque ensemble (which eventually belonged to American newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst), Anthony Nelme gave a nod to the classical past by including seated amorini (cupids) on the crest.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by purchase, 1982; Christie, Manson and Woods International, NY; Sotheby and Co., NY, 1967 (complete service); Prince David Z. Molivani; Christie, Manson & Wood, London, 1938 (complete service); William Randolph Hearst collection; Christie, Manson & Wood, London, 1935 (complete service); Mrs. Mylins; Richard Astley; possibly Judith Bridgeman, Castle Bromwich, Warwickshire
Lansdowne House exhibition, 1929
"Catalogue of the Highly Important Collection of Old English and Foreign Silver," Christie, Manson & Woods, London, Dec. 14, 1938, lot 67, p. 24, ill. p. 25.
Sales catalogue, Sotheby and Co., NY, Nov. 30, 1967, lot 117.
"Art at Auction: The Year at Sotheby's and Parke-Bernet 1967/68," p. 368.
“Important English and Continental Silver…,” Christie, Manson & Woods, London, Feb. 11,
1982, lot 293.
Baltimore Museum of Art. The Baltimore Museum of Art: Celebrating a Museum. Baltimore: The Baltimore Museum of Art, 2014.

Markings: Applied cypher: "JB" for Judith Bridgeman of Moreton Corbet, Shropshire; marks on crest, and under pieces which cover joints on corners: maker's mark used by Nelme before 1697, leopard's head crowned, lion passant, date letter for 1691/1692

Maker

Anthony Nelme

1680–1721

active 1681-1722
Meet Anthony Nelme

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