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Georgian Reverse Glass Painting. Philip Mercier

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Georgian Reverse Glass Painting. Philip Mercier Georgian  Reverse Glass %%alt5%% %%alt6%%
This is a rare early Georgian reverse glass painting on mezzotint engraving. By Philip Mercier. Published 1739.

It is in its original frame and in excellent condition. It features a schoolroom scene with a pupil receiving the birch from his tutor with other students looking on, one reading a prayer or from the bible?.
The verse below highlights the futility of corporal punishment, it begins:
This scene but shows us how we first began
How practice the same lesson up to man.
From earliest date some stand ye burs of laught
- And the school blockhead is a dunce hereafter .....

It is in its original frame and in excellent condition.
The frame was loose when I acquired this which allowed the opportunity to release the painting and inspect its condition from the reverse side. (see photos illuminated from front and behind respectively)

Dimensions: 34 cm high, 40cm wide (Framed)

On the art of 18th C Reverse Glass Painting -
Robert Dossie - Handmaid to the Arts (London: 1753) wrote:
The painting on glass, by means of mezzotinto prints, is performed by cementing the printed side of the prints to the surface of the glass, by the assistance of some glutinous body which will not dissolve in water and then destroying the texture of the paper by water, so that it may be rubbed interely [sic] off from the cement upon the glass leaving, at the same time, the whole of the ink of the print upon the cement, and glass, in the same manner as if the original impression had been made there by which method, a complete drawing of the picture designed is obtained on the glass and may be coloured by the use of oil, varnish, or water colours.

The method of preparing this is as follows.
Procure a piece of the best crown glass as near as possible in size to the print to be taken off and varnish it thinly over with turpentine, rendered a little more fluid by the addition of oil of turpentine. Lay the print then on the glass beginning at one end and pressing it gently down in every part in proceeding to the other: to prevent any vesicles of air being formed, in he laying it on, by the paper touching the cement unequally, in different parts and to settle the whole more closely to the glass, it is well to pass over a wooden roller over it which roller may be made of any kind of wood turned, and may be about two inches in diameter. Dry the glass, with the print thus laid upon it, at the fire, till the turpentine be perfectly hard and afterwards moisten the paper well with water, till it be thoroughly soaked. Then rub off the paper intirely [sic] from the cement, by gently rolling it under the finger and let it dry without any heat: the impression of the print will be found perfect on the glass and may be painted over with either oil or varnish colours.

The choice and treatment of the colours for painting in this way upon glass, in either oil or varnish, my be the same as for any other method, and it is therefore needless to enumerate any further particulars….
[As quoted in Ann Massing, “From Print to Painting: The Technique of Glass Transfer Painting.” Print Quarterly, ed., David Landau. VI: 4: December 1989, 383-393.]
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We are based in Cornwall and have over 40 years experience of dealing in antiques of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.
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We stock a wide range of unique items, all historically sound, and all in showroom condition. Quality furnishings to complement your own taste and flair for interior design, and including furniture, mirrors, works of art, and metal ware.

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Kind Regards, Mark and Carole Middleton



REVIEWS -
Georgian Toilet Mirror. Delivered to Australia ..
''Breathtakingly beautiful Mahogany toilet mirror ! Delicately dovetailed drawers are as smooth as silk. The acorn finials are a treat. The mahogany has a marvelous lustre and fine patina consumate with its age.
Beautifully packed with extreme care it arrived in pristine condition. This seller is an absolute joy to work with ! Many thanks.''

Document Cabinet. Delivered UK
''A gorgeous piece of furniture. It was really well packaged for delivery and seller sent some useful notes about the locking mechanism.''
Price
£595.00  UK
$753.75  USA
693.41  EU
 The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 16/MAY/2024. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.
 UK delivery £40, International £120
 
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Deliveries.

Mainland UK deliveries are free of charge.

We have regular collections by reliable carriers who we know and trust for their care and conscientious service.

Smaller items will be carefully packed and couriered World wide, delivery usually within 10 days.

World wide deliveries of larger items will require a specialist air freight service.
Please contact us for a quote.
Date 1739  George II Antiques Material Glass Origin English Item code as706a254 Status Sold

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Middletons AntiquesPrivate dealer
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Near Liskeard
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Georgian Reverse Glass Painting. Philip Mercier
 
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