Looking glass

1765-1780

Measurements

55 in x 27-1/2 in x 5-1/2 in

Materials

Mahogany; unexamined secondary woods

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp

Accession Number

1959.3510

Condition Notes

This looking glass has not been examined off the wall.

Provenance

Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp

Comments

This grand-looking glass, featuring a large plate of mirrored glass, figured mahogany veneers, and gilded phoenix and carved moldings, is of a type that was probably imported into the American colonies to adorn the larger houses built by wealthy inhabitants.  Its design derives from architectural sources, notably in the scrolled pediment and “crossetted” upper corners.  A hint of rococo ornament decorates the lower corners—a decorative treatment that infused other looking glasses  This looking glass looks very similar to one at Yale (accession no. 1962.31.31 labeled by Thomas Aldersey of London, illustrated and discussed in David Barquist, American Tables and Looking Glasses in the Mabel Brady Gavan and Other Collections at Yale University (1992), pp. 308-310, no. 172.