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The first type of chimneypiece was a Classical Revival/Federal style while the second can be considered a Jeffersonian style that reflects architectural designs promoted by President Jefferson.  An important distinction between the two types is that the top shelf of Federal style chimneypieces featured a molded profile while the cap of the Jeffersonian-style chimneypieces used a narrow, square-edged board.  Because the corner bead in the North Wing Room clearly showed a molded profile for the cap, it was apparent that a Federal-style chimneypiece had been installed in the room during the Madison era.

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The chimneypiece on the left is a Jeffersonian-style mantel while the chimneypiece on the right is a Federal-style mantel.  Both chimneypieces are from Montpelier and date to ca. 1812.