Early 19th Century American Federal Convex Mirror

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Few objects embody the drama of the Federal period quite like the bullseye mirror. This early 19th-century American example carries … Read more Few objects embody the drama of the Federal period quite like the bullseye mirror. This early 19th-century American example carries all the hallmarks: a convex mirror at its center, still original, encircled by a gilt frame studded with 23 perfectly spaced spheres, and crowned by a carved giltwood eagle poised in watchful flight. These mirrors were prized in both England and America in the early 1800s, their curved glass reflecting more of a room than a flat mirror ever could—catching flickers of candlelight, amplifying grandeur, and adding a touch of intrigue. The gilt spheres, meanwhile, speak to neoclassical ideals of harmony and order, while the eagle asserts an unmistakably American identity. Both functional and ornamental, bullseye mirrors became the punctuation mark of stylish Federal interiors. Today, their power hasn’t dimmed: a single piece like this can command a wall, offering history, presence, and a flash of brilliance all at once. See less