Looking Glass

DateCa. 1765

MediumWalnut, european spruce (by microscopic id), white pine (replaced), gilding, and glass

DimensionsOH: 61"; OW: 31"; OD: 7"

Credit LineBequest of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Hennage

Object number1990-296

DescriptionRectangular glass with rounded top corners with inner gilt carved border; broken scroll pediment with carved gilt rosettes with pendant foliate and carved gilt shell cartouche; shaped base with gilt rosettes on either side; all outlined in carved gilt egg and dart ornament; carved vine and fruit motif on sides; applied gilt carved broken scroll pediment in tympanum of crest supporting two gilt architectural scrolls under main cornice molding. White pine back.
Label TextOrnate looking glasses were some of the more expensive furnishings 18th century families might own. Most of these were imported from England, as was this example with its frame of European spruce veneered in walnut with gilt moldings that descended in the Frisbee family of New York and northern New Jersey. Colonial glassworks were unable to produce large pieces of flat glass, necessitating the importation of that material from England. Wealthy families might order fashionable looking glasses directly from England through agents or factors, or they could purchase imported pieces at a local looking glass makers' shop.
ProvenanceFrom the Lorimer Collection exhibited 1955-67 at the Brooklyn Museum.
Descended in the Frisbee family of New York and Northern New Jersey. Noted on back of photo "from the Frisbee and Webb families of Metuchen, NJ"
Donor purchased from Benjamin Ginsburg Antiquary in 1977.