Napier (1922–present). Mirror, ca. 1928. Silver, mirrored glass, 14 1/8 x 6 1/4 x 1/2 in. (35.9 x 15.9 x 1.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, H. Randolph Lever Fund, 2000.45. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2000.45_back.jpg)
Napier (1922–present). Mirror, ca. 1928. Silver, mirrored glass, 14 1/8 x 6 1/4 x 1/2 in. (35.9 x 15.9 x 1.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, H. Randolph Lever Fund, 2000.45. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2000.45_front.jpg)
Napier (1922–present). Mirror, ca. 1928. Silver, mirrored glass, 14 1/8 x 6 1/4 x 1/2 in. (35.9 x 15.9 x 1.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, H. Randolph Lever Fund, 2000.45. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2000.45_mark.jpg)
Mirror
Decorative Arts and Design
On View: Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor
These two objects were probably parts of elaborate dressing table sets that included a handheld brush, mirror, combs, small boxes, and other accessories. When the hairbrush was made, the French Art Nouveau style was new and considered avant-garde. The dense, curvilinear floral design and the female head with long, curling tresses are characteristic of that style. A generation later, this taste for curvilinear naturalism was supplanted by the French Art Moderne (or Art Deco) style of the hand mirror. Here, nature is still invoked in the decoration, but it is rendered in a more schematic, hard-edged manner that appears more modern today.
MAKER
Napier, 1922–present
MEDIUM
Silver, mirrored glass
DATES
ca. 1928
DIMENSIONS
14 1/8 x 6 1/4 x 1/2 in. (35.9 x 15.9 x 1.3 cm) (show scale)
MARKINGS
Stamped on outer edge of frame, near handle join: "(N) STERLING"
INSCRIPTIONS
Etched monogram in script ,one letter on back of each bird: "B S"
COLLECTIONS
Decorative Arts and Design
ACCESSION NUMBER
2000.45
CREDIT LINE
H. Randolph Lever Fund
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Silver hand mirror with long handle, Art Deco style decorations. Round glass mirror enclosed in silver frame. Back side divided into three vertical sections of repoussé decoration: central band contains two stylized parrots (or other tropical bird) perched on leafy branches; outer bands both filled with basket weave pattern. Strap handle attached to frame at shell-shaped join; handle extends from here, bulges out at center then tapers to stylized leaf finial and small ball point.
Condition: Good, minor scratches throughout; ding on back of handle near finial.
EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is on view in Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor
CAPTION
Napier (1922–present). Mirror, ca. 1928. Silver, mirrored glass, 14 1/8 x 6 1/4 x 1/2 in. (35.9 x 15.9 x 1.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, H. Randolph Lever Fund, 2000.45. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2000.45_back.jpg)
IMAGE
back, 2000.45_back.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2004
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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