Gilded Wood Convex or Girandole Mirror English or American, Circa 1790-1800. Continuous round molding and contrasting dark rib surrounding the glass. Ornaments of carved wood and gesso on the upper and lower crests, topped by an eagle holding a chain with gilded ball, said to represent chain shot used in naval battles to de-mast enemy ships. This mirror retains much of its original gold leaf. The giltwood details are particularly fine, and the eagle unusually well executed. Minor imperfections to the glass. Size: 38" high x 24" wide.
Girandole mirrors evolved from the Renaissance period and mid-18th C. French prototypes. In England, this style of mirror can be noted in Ince and Mayhew's Universal System (1759-1762).
