Looking Glasses

Date1820-1840

Terms

Looking Glasses
Glass
Gilt
Gesso
Pine
Paint
United States

Dimensions91.37 × 43.15 cm (36 × 17 in.)

MarkingsLabel on backing panel: "This looking glass/ is for Antiquarian/ Mary Melvin/ this is my wish/ in memery [sic] of Edith Melvin." Inscribed in chalk: "20-12."

Credit LineGift of Mrs. James Melvin in memory of Edith Melvin

Object numberF1904

DescriptionPine, gilt, paint, gesso, glass. Empire style. Later application of yellow paint over gilt. Non-architectural frame. Corner blocks decorated with stamped brass paterae. The use of larger and heavier components is evident in the Empire style, particularly in the split balusters, which are often less elegant than the pilasters of the Federal or Sheraton periods. Balusters were frequently decorated with carvings of leaves, spirals, or rings.

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