Girandole Looking Glass

Date1810-1820

MediumEuropean poplar, red pine group (likely scots pine), white pine, gesso, gilding, brass, glass

DimensionsOH: 45"; OW: 35 1/2"; OD: 9"

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

Object number1990-297

DescriptionGilded girandole looking glass with domed mirrored glass surrounded by an inner ridged black frame and an outer gilded frame with a vine of applied leaves and a ring of gilded balls; surmounted by a carved and gilded eagle on a rock formation flanked by carved and gilded dolphins; base supported by carved foliate element with four candle-arms with glass bobeche and pendant prisms.
Label TextAdorned with a carved, gilt eagle and dolphins this looking glass may have been made in England for the export market in the early 19th century as a later label suggests its ownership in Boston at the end of the century. Round, convex looking glasses with candle arms or branches became quite popular around 1800 as the convex mirrored glass reflected candlelight around a room more fully than a flat looking glass.

Round convex glasses like this example were made as early as 1800 in America and were the first to be called "mirrors," according to Thomas Sheraton's 1803 "Cabinet Directory." Their round or oval frames were extremely difficult to make and only a handful of shops in America could produce them. This example was framed using European woods suggesting an English origin.
InscribedIn pencil on reverse of frame: at locations of dolphins: proper left "No 2" and proper right "No 3". At location of arm attachment: proper left "Right hand branc/ No 6". proper right: "Left [Right crossed out] hand/ branch No 6".
MarkingsPrinted on paper label on back of non-original paper backing: FROM.../ F. HUBBARD & CO/ Frames, Mouldings, Pictures, Mats,/ Easels, Picture Cord,/ Hooks, etc./ Re-gilding of all Kinds./ 61 1/2 Bromfield St. Boston" (Frederick A. Hubbard & Co. was listed in the Boston Directory at 8 Bromfield in 1885 and 178 Washington in 1905 but was not listed in 1875 or 1925.)
ProvenanceIsrael Sack, Inc.

Exhibition(s)