Classical Gilt Tabernacle Mirror with Shell and Reverse Painting, c.1820

This mirror is a tour de force of the classical mirror form of its time.  It is fully developed with the classical elements for mirrors and has an exciting visual appearance.  It is embellished at its cornice with acorns above a beautifully sculpted central shell flanked by grape anthemia embellishment (see detail).  In addition, the mirror relies on gilt reeds, blocks, and rosettes.  This mirror retains its original reverse painting (see detail).   An elaborate border surrounds the mirror and its original reverse painting which depicts a rural river scene.  The gilt is in a fine state of preservation as is all glass.  It is as complex and fine as one will find in this late Federal period.

Height: 37 in.  Width: 23 1/4 in.(cornice) - 18 1/2 in.(frame)