American Federal-style Convex “Bullseye” Mirror

Artist: Butler & Co., New York (Retailer)
Date: Late 19th to Early 20th Century
Medium: Carved Giltwood and Convex Glass

This grand American Federal-style convex “bullseye” mirror features a meticulously hand-carved giltwood frame designed as a continuous, dimensional laurel wreath of layered leaves and berries. Surmounting the circular frame is a majestic, spread-winged American eagle perched upon a patriotic U.S. shield, which is backed by a cluster of crossed arrows. The eagle’s head is turned sharply to the right with its wings fully extended, lending a striking and commanding presence to the piece, while the convex glass center beautifully captures a wide-angle reflection of its surroundings.

The reverse of the frame retains a historical paper trade label from “Butler & Co., Engravings & Etchings, Picture Frames,” located at 398 4th Avenue in New York City, dating the piece to the firm’s operational period during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Convex mirrors of this form were highly fashionable during the Federal period for their ability to maximize ambient room light and reflect entire interiors, making this finely carved piece a quintessential example of traditional Americana and Neoclassical decorative arts.