The MONAHAN Queen Anne Looking Glass
New England, ca. late 18th century.  

Sensational original surface of red paint and crackled over-varnish. Of exquisite simple and elegant form, with crowned-crest and beautiful scrolled ears. The mirror plate bounded by a molded frame, joined with splines. The apron with a bold drop. The form is so appealing, please see the silhouetted image just to focus on the design.

Sold at Northeast Auctions, August 4, 2001 from the celebrated Audrey and Tom Monahan Collection. From the catalogue: Collecting mostly in the 1970’s and 80’s, the Monahan’s blended the romanticism of the early collectors with the scholarship of the present. Actively collecting, this devoted couple has probably gone through five to ten pieces of each form for every single object they’ve kept……This mirror appears on the cover of the catalogue, upper left, and page 36, lot 126.

Provenance: Private New England collection who acquired at the Monahan sale.

The condition is remarkable, proud and stately with no cracks. The surface is top-shelf, and the color presents as a deep red, emphasizing the silhouette of the form against a wall. About 21 ½ inches tall x 10 ½ wide.