468 THE NEO-CLASSIC MOVEMENT

Decoration. The motifs of the Louis XVI style and also of
the English Neo-Classic style decorated the American furniture of
this period. In addition, after the inauguration of the first presi-
dent, the American eagle became a popular motif. The spread
eagle was used on tavern signs, was inlaid in mirror frames, secre-
taries, tables, chests, desks, cabinets, and clocks, and was cut in
metal articles. See pages 477 and 478. The number of stars in
the spread-eagle design changed as additional states came into the
union. Three-dimensional eagles perched on mirror frames, pic-
ture frames, and clocks. The eagle was also made to support
pedestal tables and wall brackets. So great was patriotic fervor
that historic scenes were painted on clocks and mirrors.

Furniture. The furniture of this period was more refined and
smaller in scale than that of the romantic style that preceded it.
Baroque and Rococo curves became passe, and straight structural
lines were preferred again. Sheraton models were copied more
extensively than Hepplewhite. See page 476.

Variety was displayed in the design of the furniture. Tables
of various shapes and sizes were made for many purposes. Buffets,
sideboards, desks, and chests of drawers of excellent design were
constructed. Comfortable sofas, settees, and high four-poster beds
were produced. Many good designs were made for wooden and
upholstered chairs; the "fancy chair" was an adaptation of a Shera-
ton chair, having a rush or cane seat and an open back of slats or
spindles. Architectural tall clocks and mirror frames were fash-
ionable.

Finer and lighter woods, like cherry, apple, pear, curly maple,
and satinwood, were made into furniture. Mahogany was still a
favorite. Fine veneering was done by some cabinet makers.

Miscellaneous. The fabrics of the period were mostly im-
ported. Damasks, brocades, satins, velvets, taffetas, horsehair, cot-
tons, and linens were used for upholstery and drapery. The
metalwork for the fireplace was brass, designed and executed with
delicacy. Silver and plate were made in Classic forms, such as
urns, with engraving the accepted decoration. Much of the table
porcelain came from France and England, Wedgwood ware being
very popular. Chinese Lowestoft was favored, sometimes deco-
rated with the spread-eagle design. Miniature painting was one
of the important forms of art in this period.