Tortoiseshell eyeglasses

Spectacles
Tortoise shell, glass
1790-1820

Status

Not on view

Label Text

As her eyesight weakened, Martha Washington utilized two pairs of spectacles on a daily basis, a weaker pair for supervising domestic routines and a stronger pair for reading and sewing. Tortoiseshell frames, imported from England, were increasingly popular after 1800. Mrs. Washington may have relied on this fashionable pair to aide her work during her final years at Mount Vernon.

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Date1790-1820

Geography Probably made - England

Medium/TechniqueTortoiseshell, glass

DimensionsOverall: 1 5/8 in. x 4 5/8 in. (4.14 cm x 11.76 cm)

Credit LinePurchase, 1956

Object numberW-2187/D

DescriptionFragment of eyeglasses or spectacles; tortoiseshell frame, oval lenses, arched C-bridge, and turnpin sides; upper half of right eye frame is missing as is the temple bar on that side; right lens is separate from the frame.

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