Dutch Copper Mirror by the Amsterdam School, 1920s

Netherlands, 1920s. The Amsterdam School made hand-worked metal one of the vehicles of its expressionist architecture, between the Arts & Crafts legacy and Art Deco rigour. This copper table mirror carries that spirit with great restraint. The frame is made entirely of open copper links chained together in a regular garland that encircles the glass, edged with a plain copper band. At the back, a thin plate and a hinged easel held by a small chain let it stand on a dressing table, desk or console. The work is precise and handcrafted, with its solder joints still visible. Very beautiful copper patina, with deep red and brown reflections, and light traces of verdigris tucked behind the links. The mirror is intact, with no breaks or lifting. Found with a collector who had inherited it from her great-grandmother, an architect, this piece has the air of a museum object. At 30 cm high by 23 cm wide (16.5 cm deep with its easel), it stands on a piece of furniture or slips onto a shelf. A decorative, rare object, somewhere between silversmithing and architecture.