Looking glass

Status

Not on view

Label Text

Simply-framed oval looking glasses embodied the neoclassical preference for clean, geometric forms. The glass descended in the Bush family and, according to family history, was once owned by George Washington.

Date1770-1800

Possible maker James Reynolds (c. 1736-1794)

Geography Possibly made - EnglandPossibly made - United States

Medium/TechniqueGilt, gesso, unidentified softwood, glass

DimensionsOverall (H x W x D): 35 3/4 in. x 18 3/8 in. x 3 in. (90.81 cm x 46.67 cm x 7.62 cm)

Credit LineGift of Annette M. Reese, 1977

Object numberW-2710

DescriptionVertical, oval, looking glass in a gilded, ogee-molded frame with beading along the inner edge and a spreadwing eagle finial, its head facing the viewer’s left. The upper side edge of the frame is carved with a reverse ogee; the lower part is straight.

The frame is composed of a gilded and carved molding glued to a secondary wood support. The molding appears to have been applied in four equal sections. The secondary support is composed of multiple sections glued together, that at upper center is secured with screws. A narrow channel has been gouged out at the top and bottom of the back of the support, allowing for a wooden key to be screwed in; that at the bottom is missing. The backing board is a single board held in place by wire nails inserted in the sides. An iron rod supports the finial, with one end nailed to the back of the eagle and the other screwed to the top of the frame. Four brass hangers are screwed to the back of the frame, two on each long side.

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