Charles Prendergast (1863-1948)
Mirror Frame – Blue and Gold, ca. 1907-1912
Carved wood frame with gold leaf and tempera
Williams College Museum of Art, Gift of Mrs. Charles Prendergast, 86.18.16
The shallow carving design on Mirror Frame – Blue and Gold is made up of anthemion leaves placed in contrary positions, connected by yin-yang spirals with rosette-like ornaments in each corner—all of which are classical and Renaissance motifs. These elements were commonly used in both Arts and Crafts movement works—a source greatly inspiring to Charles—and in American Art Nouveau architecture and illustrations.