Composition Mould

MediumResin; Wood

DimensionsImpression: 7 1/4" (L) x 3 1/4" (H) x 3/16" (D). Inset: (irregular rectangle) 9 1/2" (L) x 4 5/8" (H) x 1/2" (D). Base: (single board with inset wooden edge) 10 7/8" (L) x 7 15/16" (W) x 2 1/8" (T).

Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Elias Nassim

Object numberAF-X2023.2439

DescriptionIt is a resin mould depicting a classical image of a reclining woman with a cherub behind her dressing her hair. The cherub has wings and a quiver with arrows. Her outstretched arm holds a mirror. She is bare-breasted (with a belt below), an exposed midriff, and exposed legs with surrounding drapery/fabric. She has a classical headband. The base is constructed of several different pieces of wood.Label TextThis antique composition mould represents a trade that was practiced in Virginia during the Revolutionary period and into the 19th century. It depicts a common design found in upper class homes and public buildings. Composition was a substitute for more laboriously produced ornamental plaster and carved wood and stone.

It is thought that the Adam brothers (Robert Adam 1728-1792) and John Adam (1721-1792)) played a major role in the initial manufacture of composition ornament on a grand scale. The Adam style demanded a large amount of delicate low-relief ornament. These moulds are for the production of such ornament in plaster, or in composition, usually a combination of whiting, glue, rosin and oil. The finished ornament was used on furniture and other objects as well as in the decoration of rooms.