An outstanding pair of 18th‑century Federal giltwood mirrors, each surmounted by an exquisitely carved giltwood eagle perched on a plinth and flanked by flowing acanthus leaf scrolls that lend a sense of movement and grandeur. The lower edge is finished with a matching leaf‑carved apron that harmoniously echoes the carved motifs above, and each mirror further features a circular, ball‑decorated inner frame which adds visual depth and rich historic character.
“Federal‑style” mirrors refer to American mirrors produced in the late 1700s through the early 1800s, named for the Federalist Era in American politics (ca. 1788–1800). Typically crafted of hardwood and overlaid with bronze gilt or delicate gold leaf, these mirrors are characteristically ornate, frequently crowned with eagles as a patriotic emblem and prized for their refined craftsmanship and period authenticity.
Size: 45” H x 22” W x 8” D
C. 1785, New York
Provenance:
From the estate of Jackson Hicks, Houston Socialite and the “Prince of Parties”
An outstanding pair of 18th‑century Federal giltwood mirrors, each surmounted by an exquisitely carved giltwood eagle perched on a plinth and flanked by flowing acanthus leaf scrolls that lend a sense of movement and grandeur. The lower edge is finished with a matching leaf‑carved apron that harmoniously echoes the carved motifs above, and each mirror further features a circular, ball‑decorated inner frame which adds visual depth and rich historic character.
“Federal‑style” mirrors refer to American mirrors produced in the late 1700s through the early 1800s, named for the Federalist Era in American politics (ca. 1788–1800). Typically crafted of hardwood and overlaid with bronze gilt or delicate gold leaf, these mirrors are characteristically ornate, frequently crowned with eagles as a patriotic emblem and prized for their refined craftsmanship and period authenticity.
Size: 45” H x 22” W x 8” D
C. 1785, New York
Provenance:
From the estate of Jackson Hicks, Houston Socialite and the “Prince of Parties”
