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Girandole

1817
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 726
This girandole mirror and its mate (1974.363.2) were made for the Albany townhouse of Stephen Van Rensselaer IV (1786–1868). Popular during the Federal period, girandole mirrors were often surmounted by eagle finials. Their name derives from the candle arms that extend from the frame, allowing the candlelight to reflect off the convex mirror and illuminate an entire room.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Girandole
  • Date: 1817
  • Geography: Possibly made in Albany, New York, United States; Possibly made in New York, New York, United States
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: Gilded gesso, mirror glass with white pine
  • Dimensions: H. 54 in. (137.2 cm); Diam. 28 in. (71.1 cm)
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Frederick S. Moseley Jr., 1974
  • Object Number: 1974.363.1
  • Curatorial Department: The American Wing

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