Federal Trumeau Mirrors
Following the Revolutionary War, the American republic referenced the Roman Republic in its designs to celebrate its independence and declare itself a powerful new country. Imbued with neoclassical elements like those being promoted by architect Robert Adam in Great Britain, antique Federal-style furniture was the first distinctly American style in its melding of ancient influences, European aesthetics and national pride.
Dating roughly from 1790 to 1830, the style featured angular furniture with saber legs and smooth surfaces that contrasted with the curvy Rococo style that was previously in fashion. Eagles were common ornamental motifs on Federal-period furniture, as were cornucopia, lyres, garlands and scrolls, adding subtle flair to pieces characterized by clean lines, geometric symmetry, balanced shapes and a sense of grandeur.
Instead of sculptural carvings, authentic Federal-style furniture was adorned with inlays and patterned veneers that showcased the rich character of different grains and types of wood. As social life tended to be informal in the young country, furniture was often lightweight, so it could be easily rearranged in a drawing room or bedroom. Pieces like dining tables with drop leaves and sideboards became popular, replacing larger chests of drawers.
The Federal style varied by region: Artisans in Charleston, South Carolina, decorated chairs with carved backs, for instance, while those in Baltimore, Maryland, preferred painted details. Its major proponents included father-and-son cabinetmakers John and Thomas Seymour in Boston, Duncan Phyfe and Charles-Honoré Lannuier in New York and Samuel McIntire in Salem, Massachusetts.
Find antique Federal tables, mirrors, storage cabinets and other Federal furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Late 20th Century North American Federal Trumeau Mirrors
Mirror, Giltwood
1810s American Antique Federal Trumeau Mirrors
Mirror, Giltwood
Early 20th Century American Federal Trumeau Mirrors
Mirror, Mahogany, Paint
1810s American Antique Federal Trumeau Mirrors
Mahogany, Pine, Paint, Mirror
1940s European Vintage Federal Trumeau Mirrors
Mirror, Mahogany, Giltwood
Early 20th Century American Federal Trumeau Mirrors
Mirror, Wood, Mahogany, Paint
Early 20th Century American Federal Trumeau Mirrors
Mirror, Wood, Mahogany, Paint
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Trumeau Mirrors
Glass, Mirror, Giltwood
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Trumeau Mirrors
Glass, Mirror, Wood
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Trumeau Mirrors
Giltwood
Mid-20th Century American Federal Trumeau Mirrors
Mirror, Giltwood, Paint
Early 19th Century Irish Antique Federal Trumeau Mirrors
Giltwood
1860s French Antique Federal Trumeau Mirrors
Giltwood
Late 18th Century French Antique Federal Trumeau Mirrors
Mirror, Giltwood
Mid-20th Century American Federal Trumeau Mirrors
Mirror, Giltwood
1950s French Vintage Federal Trumeau Mirrors
Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Federal Trumeau Mirrors
Gesso, Mirror
Early 20th Century French Federal Trumeau Mirrors
Mirror, Wood, Paint
1920s French Vintage Federal Trumeau Mirrors
Giltwood
Early 19th Century French Antique Federal Trumeau Mirrors
Canvas
Late 20th Century American Federal Trumeau Mirrors
Mahogany, Mirror
18th Century French Antique Federal Trumeau Mirrors
Mirror, Wood
Late 18th Century French Antique Federal Trumeau Mirrors
Glass, Giltwood