Name/Title
Bull's Eye MirrorEntry/Object ID
1967.19.1Description
Gold Federal period bull's eye mirror that is slightly convex. It contains a circular deep bracket frame with an ebonized inner frame. The pediment of the mirror has a carved eagle perched on rocks while the lower portion of the mirror is decorated with a hanging acanthus leaf, pomegranate, pine cone, and pineapple pendant drop.Use
Historically placed in a dining room, a bull's eye mirror offered the serving staff and the lady of the house an expanded view of the room due to its concave shape. Often utilized by enslaved butlers, the mirror allowed enslaved staff members to track the progress of a meal while maintaining a discrete distance from the dining guests. Influenced by President Andrew Jackson (1767–1845) and his inclusion of American eagles throughout the oval office, it was popular for bull’s eye mirrors to have eagles sitting on the top.Furniture Details
Furniture Type
Mirror - HangingFurniture Style
FederalDimensions
Height
43-1/2 inWidth
26-1/2 inDiameter
17-1/2 in
