Bull's-Eye Mirror

The Bull’s–Eye mirror is an early 19th century, Federal style decorative convex mirror with candle holders, also known as a girondole. The gilt and black enamel example in the Members' restaurant was originally owned by Benjamin Brown French of New Hampshire, who served as Clerk of the House through the 28th and 29th Congresses (1845-1849).

The mirror was crafted in the 1820s, and was hung within the Capitol, until French acquired the mirror in the 1860s for his personal use. It was passed down through three generations of French’s family before it was returned as a gift to the Capitol in 1996.

Bull’s-eye mirrors were introduced in the later 18th century, and were primarily used to support candles and reflect their light. The convex mirror also created an optical amusement, as the reflection shows a condensed view of the room and a distorted reflection of the viewer. This novelty was especially popular from around 1805 through the 1850s.

Note the spread eagle, the national bird of the United States, at the top of the mirror. This decoration was typical of the Federal style, which dominated American-made furniture from the Revolution through the 1830s. The eagle symbolizes power, strength and freedom, which were particularly meaningful characteristics in the early 19th century, when the nation was young. It appeared on many types of furniture throughout the period.

Federal style was based on Neoclassicism, which harkened back to decorative motifs from Classical Greece and Rome. This appealed to Americans as a symbol of their democratic government, modeled on Greek and Roman democracy.

REFERENCES

• Ward, Gerald W.R., American Furniture with Related Decorative Arts 1660-1830. New York: Hudson Hills Press, 1991: 247.

Brumidi's Fresco

The fresco Cornwallis Sues for Cessation of Hostilities under the Flag of Truce depicts George Washington in his headquarters at Yorktown at a momentous point in the Revolutionary War in 1781 when the British admit defeat.

George Washington, in his tent at Yorktown, VA receives a letter from Lord Cornwallis. The British General is trapped and ready to surrender, and requests a 24-hour cease-fire to consider Washington’s terms. Washington, however, knows that the British naval fleet is close at hand to back up Cornwallis; he grants only a two hour cease fire, thus forcing Cornwallis to surrender.

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House of Representatives Restaurant Menu (1933)

Offerings in the House have changed over the years. From this menu, patrons in 1933 could choose from such delicacies as “pin money pickles” and Postum. One item that hasn’t changed is bean soup offered every day since 1904, when Speaker of the House Joe Cannon (R-IL) demanded that it always be on the menu.

House of Representatives Restaurant Plate (1921)

This sturdy plate was part of the set used in the Members' Dining Room from the 1920s through the 1940s. At the top, an image of the Capitol with its original dome is surrounded by a ring of stars.

Bennett Chandeliers

In 1991, Congressman Charles Bennett of Florida (1910 – 2003) donated $20,000 to the Capitol Preservation Commission for the purchase of one of the three glass and crystal chandeliers that hang in the Members' Dining Room.

Congressman Bennett served his state in the 81st – 102nd Congresses and served as chair for the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct (96th Congress). Bennett was nicknamed “Mr. Clean” for his high ethical standards for both himself and his work in the House. Bennett sponsored legislation to create the House Ethics Committee, and served as its first chairmen. Bennett was also among the hardest working Congressmen – between 1951 and his retirement in 1992, he missed only two roll call votes.

The purchase of the chandeliers from Bennett’s donated funds was made in support of the Capitol Preservation Commission, which was created by legislation sponsored by the Congressman in 1988. This bill allowed for members and congressional officers to make donations to the Capitol.

These 19th century fixtures were purchased from a New Orleans antiques dealer in 1991. All three are made of glass and crystal, and were originally gasolier fixtures, later altered for use with electrical power. The fixtures were installed the following year, and are referred to as the Bennett Chandeliers because of the Congressman’s initiation of and involvement with the refurbishment project. They replaced simple brass chandeliers, and added elegance to the Members' Restaurant.