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Important Giltwood Girandole Mirror Surmounted with an Eagle and Anthemeon

Offered by: Carswell Rush Berlin Antiques

Description
A carved eagle with spread wings on a tapering platform above scrolled foliage and a pierced anthemion above a convex glass surrounded by an ebonized mirror slip and gilded frame decorated with gilded compo decoration and a foliate pendant, flanked by pairs of candle arms.

Woods: White pine.
H: 67” D: 31”

Thomas Sheraton describes girandole mirrors in his Cabinet Dictionary (1803), saying:

“The properties of such mirrors consist in their collecting the reflected rays into a point, by which the perspective of the room in which they are suspended, presents itself on the surface of the mirror, and produces an agreeable effect. On this account, as well as for the convenience of holding lights, they are now become universally in fashion, and are considered both as a useful and ornamental piece of furniture.”

The first, and maybe only publication of this form was in George Smith’s 1808 Designs for Household Furniture where he published two plates by J. Taylor dated 1804 (pl.135, 136); one surmounted by a bat and the other by an anthemion, but he opened the flood gates. The form remained fashionable throughout the Classical period.

The present mirror, which must have been inspired by Smith's illustration (pl. 136), boasts an extraordinary eagle on a towering platform with a pierced anthemion. A remarkable amount of original gilding survives.

More Information

Period:	19th Century
Materials:	White Pine.
Condition:	Excellent. Tthe bobèche are modern replacements. The original gilding has been cleaned of later paint and small areas of gilding loss have been patched where necessary.
Creation Date:	American or English, c. 1825.
Styles / Movements:	Traditional, Other
Dealer Reference #:	M-1409211
Incollect Reference #:	116882

Dimensions

H.	67 in;	D.	31 in;
H.	170.18 cm;	D.	78.74 cm;

Message from Seller:

Welcome to Carswell Rush Berlin Antiques, a premier New York City-based dealer specializing in American antique furniture and decorative accessories from the Classical period (1800-1840). For inquiries, please contact us at 646.645.0404 or email carswellberlin@msn.com.