Composition Mould

MediumCompo (usually a combination of hide glue, pine rosin, chalk, and linseed oil); Wood

DimensionsRelief: 16" (L) x 3/4" (W) x 1/4" (H). Base: 19" (L) x 2 7/8" (W) x 13/16" (T).

Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Elias Nassim

Object numberAF-X2023.2713

DescriptionThis is a compo relief of egg and overlapping acanthus leaf motif applied to a single wood member base. There are 15 eggs and 15 leaves. The eggs are 1 1/16" on center and measure 3/4" (W) x 5/8" (H). The leaves are 1 1/16" on center x 5/8" (H) and 1/2" (W) at the fringed end. The leaves consist of two acanthus leaves overlapping. The fringed ends of the acanthus leaves separate the eggs.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.