Looking Glass
Of diminutive size and exaggerated verticality, this mirror and its mate, 25.115.40, are suited only to reflecting the light of a single candle. Except for the brass candleholders that would have been attached to the scalloped bottom of the frame, they are characteristic of sconces, or wall lights, which were routinely made in pairs in the eighteenth century. These looking glasses must have originally hung on a wall behind candlesticks placed on a mantel or a piece of furniture. American examples are very rare, and the white pine of which these are made indicate a New England origin.
Artwork Details
- Title: Looking Glass
- Date: 1740–90
- Geography: Made in New England, United States
- Culture: American
- Medium: Walnut, walnut veneer, white pine
- Dimensions: 19 x 5 1/4 x 7/8 in. (48.3 x 13.3 x 2.2 cm)
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1925
- Object Number: 25.115.41
- Curatorial Department: The American Wing
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please contact us using the form below. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.