Large Pair of Italian Neoclassical Style Pier Mirrors

Early 20th century, carved and gilt wood frames with arched molded cornice with applied ball ornaments, ebonized lion masks and plumes, reeded column stiles with egg and dart borders.

66 x 34 x 5 in.

From the Historic Collection of Limestone University, Gaffney, South Carolina
Limestone College, now Limestone University, was founded in 1845 in Gaffney, South Carolina, by English-born Baptist minister Dr. Thomas Curtis and his son William. Originally established as the Limestone Springs Female High School, it was among the first women’s colleges in the nation and the very first in the state. The institution found its early roots in a former resort hotel near healing springs, later struggling due to the Civil War and Reconstruction. It revived in 1881 as the Cooper‑Limestone Institute, thanks to benefaction from industrialist Peter Cooper, and adopted the name Limestone College.

Some gilding loss and gesso chipping to the ball ornaments; one lion's ring with break and repairs to the ring.