Queen Anne Period Mirror

30.5" x 15"

The Queen Anne style was developed surrounding the time of Queen Anne (1665–1714), who reigned from 1702–1714. The style is smaller, lighter, and more comfortable to use than its predecessor, the elaborate William and Mary style. Queen Anne furniture is characterized by curved lines on feet, legs, arms, rails, and pediments. Ornamentation is often restrained, with popular decorative elements including scallop and shell motifs, C- and S-curves, and acanthus leaves. Designs are refined, with emphasis on an object's form and materials, as opposed to intricate details or loud ornamentation. The style became popular in the Americas in the 1720s, with the arrival of a large number of British craftsmen in the colonies. It was not referred to as the Queen Anne style until more than a century after it became fashionable. The style was eventually eclipsed in popularity by the Chippendale style. This Queen Anne period mirror dates from the 18th century, during the style's height of popularity. It features an attractive, dark stained wood frame. Curved lines are evident around the top third of the frame, ending in a pronounced scalloped shell carving. Both understated and eye-catching, the Queen Anne mirror would shine in many spaces within the home.

At this time in England, a total solar eclipse occurred on May 3, 1715. The event has been christened Halley’s Eclipse, after astronomer Edmond Halley (1656–1742) who predicted the event to within four minutes of accuracy. London was pitched into total darkness for 3 minutes and 33 seconds. Another total solar eclipse has not been seen in the city since and will not occur for several hundred more years.