Mirror

Oscar B. Bach (stamped signature on applied tag). New York, New York. Probably 1920-1930. Copper alloys; glass; tinned sheet iron. Height overall: 35''; Width overall: 19''; Depth overall: 1''; Frame height: 27''; Frame width: 19''.

An outer border of segmented repeats contains four framing panels of scrolling vines with pointed leaves, Tudor roses and other blossoms, and four corner blocks with a reticulated quatrefoil imposed on a hollow lozenge. The mirrored glass continues behind these eight panels, each of which is bordered by a simple rope-twist framing element. Affixed to the top of the frame is a pediment consisting of a central rearing seahorse shown in rampant profile with curled tail. The seahorse is in a round surround that is flanked by cascades of diminishing foliate scrolls with leaves and berry clusters. At the bottom of the frame is a whimsical satyr mask with scrolled horns and an up-turned beard. His mouth and eyes are wide open in apparent amazement. A tag applied to the sheet metal back of the mirror reads OSCAR.B.BACH / N.Y. ©.
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