Convex Looking Glass
Maker
Unknown
Datec. 1810 - 1820
MediumGilt-wood and glass
Dimensions49 7/8 × 27 1/2 × 4 inches (126.7 × 69.9 × 10.2 cm)
Credit LineGift of Anderson C. Bouchelle.
Object number1982.8
On View
Not on view
CopyrightThe images and text contained on this page are owned by Telfair Museums or used by the Museum with permission from the owners. Unauthorized reproduction, transmission or display of these materials is prohibited with the exception of items deemed “fair use” as defined by U.S. and international copyright laws.Label TextMirrors were essential for reflecting early American lighting devices like candles and gas lamps. Simultaneously, their reflective quality helped amplify illusions of expansive beauty within domestic spaces.
Looking glasses became popular during the American Federal period (1790–1830), a time where a keen sense of nationalism arose with prominent leaders looking to the classical ages of Greece and Rome for inspiration in forging America’s new government. The convex looking glass, with its wide-angle perspective, offers a visually interesting though distorted reflection of a room. Often, candle arms extend from the frame to allow candlelight to reflect off the convex mirror and further illuminate spaces.