A PAIR OF DUTCH ENGRAVED MIRRORED GLASS PICTURES

These charming engraved glass scenes were likely drawn from known prints or engravings at the time of their creation. Wheel-engraved glass and crystal techniques in northern Europe developed first in Bohemia around 1600 and flourished in the Netherlands in the second half of the 17th century (see Pieter C. Ritsema van Eck, “Early Wheel Engraving in the Netherlands,” Journal of Glass Studies, vol. 26, 1984, pp. 86-101). Glass panes of even thickness could be skillfully cut and polished and given a reflective backing with the use of a very fine tin foil applied with mercury (see Loek van Aalst and Annigje Hofstede, Noord-Nederlandse meubelen van renaissance tot vroege barok 1550-1670, Amsterdam, 2011, pp. 58-59). Similarly crafted small panels such as these can be found in the Rijksmuseum, such as a regal mirrored glass portrait of Princess Caroline by Christiaan Schröder from 1757 (BK-1966-63-B), and at the Kunstmuseum den Haag, with a portrait of Prince William IV, also by Christiaan Schröder around 1757 (1004662).