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Within the mirror’s reflecting space, the painting by Sir Joshua Reynolds of Mrs Ablington {a leading
actress of her day} creates an inner focal point. In addition, the natural light delivered through the win-
dow becomes a visual linkage between the interior and outer visual space of the mirror. A further rela-
tionship coexisting between actual object and reflected counterpart can be experienced with the Serves
porcelain and the 1749 French Ormolu clock. The clock was created through the collaboration between
two famous artisans Julien Leroy, {clockmaker to Louis XV} and Jaques Caffieri {bronze maker and his
wife, who was a gilder} which enabled them to achieve the complete gilt-bronze creation.
The female figure at the top of the clock represents Dawn, positioned above a celestial globe. She points
her finger at the hours, whilst the clock face indicates the minutes past. At the base of the clock is seated
the female figure of Venus with Cupid at her side. The composition explores the transience of time signi-
fied by the clock and the solidity of matter, object and apparent object seen as light. The Reynolds por-
trait further emphasises the passing of time, as for sitter and artist the painting is a captured moment not
to be repeated.
Waddesdon Manor Buckinghamshire. NT
Mirror Composition
