Federal Gilt Mirror with Eagle Finial, Early 19th Century

Presented is a Federal period mirror with a stunning eagle finial. The mirror frame is ornately carved and overlaid by gold leaf. At top is a glorious spreadwing eagle perched atop a piled bounty of flowers, leaves, and fruit. The sides of the mirror frame boasts a cornucopia design, with the base of the cornucopias wrapped in acanthus leaves and the top overflowing with vegetables and fruits. 

Ornate mirrors such as this one made their way into the homes of the American elite and wealthy at the end of the 1700s. When accompanied by candles, these mirrors helped to illuminate a room. Architecture, furnishings and decorative embellishments of this era typically reflected the Neoclassical style, which includes influences from Greece and Rome, prevalent in Europe and Great Britain at the time. Many Federal mirrors included an eagle standing on a Corinthian, Doric, or an Ionic column, surmounted to the midpoint of the mirror frame at the top, with either branches or other decorative leaf designs on either side of the column. 

The eagle is both the national bird and the national animal of the United States. The eagle motif has been widely used throughout American history, most notably as part of our Great Seal. The founders of the United States were fond of comparing their new republic with the Roman Republic, in which eagle imagery, usually the golden eagle, was prominent. On June 20, 1782, the Continental Congress adopted the design for the Great Seal of the United States depicting a bald eagle grasping 13 arrows and an olive branch with its talons. Since then, the eagle motif has appeared in allegorical engravings, patriotic banners and posters, and in beautiful wooden carvings and sculptures.

CONDITION:

Good overall condition, American, first-quarter 19th Century. Cornucopia sides with spread wing eagle finial. Gold repaint and some age splits.

Dimensions: 24" H x 25 1/2" W x 7" D.

Accompanied by our company’s letter of authenticity.