Name/Title
MirrorContext
On the west wall of the Neill-Cochran House Museum Dining Room hangs a distinctive Empire-style mirror. Made in the early 1800s, this mirror is framed with gilt pilasters with Corinthian capitals. It is topped with a cornice of reverse-painted glass showing a gold urn and gold grapevines on a white background.
The discovery of Pompeii's remains by European classicists in the 1750s sparked an explosion of interest in Roman aesthetics that heavily influenced the Empire style of the 1800s. Artists, architects, and even furniture makers drew inspiration from the uncovered art and artifacts, and painted interiors were inspired by the frescoed walls found in the excavations. The painting that crowns this mirror is a good example of this Pompeiian influence.
This mirror was gifted to the NCHM by Mary Austin Perry Beretta in honor of her mother-in-law, Sally Mills Ward Beretta. You can see it, and all of our "reflective" artifacts, Wed-Sun, 11-4pm.
Source: Encyclopedia BritannicaAcquisition
Accession
1965.01Source or Donor
Mrs. Jack W. Beretta (Mary Austin Perry)Acquisition Method
GiftCredit Line
In Mem of Mrs. John King Beretta (Sallie Mills Ward)