Looking glass

Dateca. 1793

Artist/Maker William Wilmerding

MediumMahogany, deal, glass, gesso, gilding

DimensionsOH: 34"; OW: 16 1/2"; OD: 1"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1964-235

DescriptionHigh arched and scrolled crest with central, pierced circular hole filled with carved shell covered with gilt and gesso; molded, rectangular frame surrounding carved and gilded inner frame which in turn surrounds original glass; pair of scrolled ears at top of frame, one on either side; pair of simpler, scrolled brackets at base, shallow, scrolled and cut out base.
ProvenanceIf, as seems possible, this looking glass is the one referred to in the bill of sale found in the Sanders Papers at the New York Historical Society, dated New York Sept. 4, 1793, the original owner of this glass was Peter Edmund Elmendorf. The descent then was probably to his son Peter Edmund, to his daughter Maria who married Peter Sanders, to his son Charles P., to his son Charles P. II, and to his son J. Glen, whose widow sold the collection to the source who sold it to CW.