Images(2)

Looking glass

Dateca. 1800

OriginAmerica, New York, Albany or New York City

MediumWhite pine, gesso, gilt, iron, and glass.

DimensionsOH: 60"; OW: 22 3/4"

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

Object number1991-68

DescriptionVertical rectangular looking glass with horizontal rectangular egomise panel with view of Mount Vernon above separated by gilt molding; gilt frame formed by double corinthian columns at sides with rope molding between columns; square bases at lower corners; bottom of frame molded with rope molding; overhanging cornice molding, projecting at tops of columns, with gilt balls under overhang; central vertical eglomise panel plinth with gilt carved frame supporting spread-winged eagle on sylized leaf-form base, flanked by two triangular eglomise panels with gilt carved frames and chain swagged between tips and eagle.
Label TextA vast array of objects memorializing George Washington came into production in the years after his 1799 death. Neoclassic looking glasses were often decorated with églomisé work (or reverse painting on glass), which made it easy adorn them with such memorials. The central panel on this glass depicts Mount Vernon, Washington’s Virginia home.

Several looking glasses of similar form were first owned by residents of Albany and New York City, suggesting they were in New York. After the Revolution, American-made looking glasses increasingly supplanted the English imports that previously dominated the market.
ProvenanceDonor purchased from Joe Kindig, Jr., & Son, York, Pennsylvania in 1987

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