19th Century Regency Federal Giltwood Mirror With Eagle

Description

This is an outstanding example of a form much copied. It is of the period, NOT A COPY, boldly carved … more This is an outstanding example of a form much copied. It is of the period, NOT A COPY, boldly carved with an eagle on a rocky crag, surmounting a circular mirror plate, surrounded by a gilt frame set with 26 balls. As a final flourish, the carver has balanced the eagle above with an ornamental acanthus carving beneath. This is a large, authoritatively carved example, there is none of the meagerness of the later copies. Some believe that this form was particularly used by the butler who could see all at a glance without constantly scanning the table. Some also believe that the number of balls relate to the number of states in the burgeoning nation.
American Federal - English Regency less