Swedish Neoclassical Ormolu and Etched Glass Mirror Designed by Burchard Precht

The design of this mirror, originally executed in gilt-lead, has been attributed to both Burchard and Gustav, one example of which has beveled blue glass borders and crest. An identical example, attributed to Gustav, is illustrated in G. Child, World Mirrors 1650-1900, London, 1990, p.297, pl. 768.

Burchard Precht (d.1738), together with his sons Christian (d.1779) and Gustav (d.1773) were responsible for producing fine quality gilt-lead and gilt wood mirrors in Sweden during the 18th Century. Although relatively little is known about Gustav, it has be noted that his father Burchardt a sculptor and cabinet-maker originally from Bremen came to Stockholm in 1674 to work at Drottingham Palace. His son Christian was apprenticed to a goldsmith in 1721 before traveling extensively throughout Europe and returning to Stockholm in 1731. Later he became one of Sweden’s leading Rococo silversmiths.