User:Katelynpfeuffer/sandbox

= Girandole Mirror = A Federal style mirror, also known as a girandole mirror. The name comes from the candle arms, known as girandole, attached to the mirror. They were originally used as a way to reflect light in a room. Girandole mirrors were found in England and America in the 18th century.

History
The first mirror showed up in history in about 1685 A.D. These Federal convex mirrors were found in the homes of the wealthy in America. The convex shape of the mirror and candles helped to illuminate the room.

Federal Era
The Federal era extended from 1776 to 1806 and it took place after the formation of the United States. Architecture, furnishings and decorative embellishments of this era typically reflected the Neoclassical style, which includes influences from Greece and Rome, prevalent in Europe and Great Britain at the time. These mirrors appeared to be rounded with glass, including American symbols and finals in the frame. They were constructed by hardwoods overlaid by gold-leaf or bronze gilt.

Embellishments and Decoration
Girandole Mirrors are known as an object of luxury and were the most homes main source of light. Many of these Federal convex mirrors at the time included a standing eagle on a Corinthian, Doric or Ionic column. The eagle is surmounted in the top middle point of the frame with branches or other decorative designs at either side. Eagles were also used on European convex mirrors before America adopted it as its symbol. There were also leaves, flowers, willows, round buttons, olive branches and wheat bundles used as decorative embellishments.