Detail View: The AMICA Library: Mirror

AMICA ID: 
MIA_.62.13
AMICA Library Year: 
2001
Object Type: 
Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
Creator Nationality: 
European; Southern European; Etruscan
Creator Role: 
artist
Creator Name-CRT: 
Etruscan
Title: 
Mirror
View: 
Front
Creation Date: 
3rd century B.C. - 2nd century B.C.
Creation Start Date: 
-299
Creation End Date: 
-100
Materials and Techniques: 
bronze
Classification Term: 
bronze
Dimensions: 
H.10-3/8 x W.5-1/8 in.
Component Measured: 
overall
Measurement Unit: 
in
AMICA Contributor: 
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Owner Location: 
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
ID Number: 
62.13
Credit Line: 
Gift of Mr. Robert E. Hecht, Jr.
Rights: 
Context: 

Bronze mirrors, found at hundreds of Etruscan burial sites, are beautifully detailed examples of ancient workmanship. Most are cast in the shape of a disk with a handle. The back of the mirror was engraved or worked in relief, usually with mythological subjects from Greek art, or it was covered with inscriptions. The other side, was highly polished to provide a reflection.

This mirror's handle is in the form of a serpent or a bird and the back is incised with four figures, one with an oriental headdress. The scene may illustrate the judgement of Paris, an apt subject for a mirror. According to this myth, Zeus asked Paris, Prince of Troy, to award a golden apple to the fairest goddess. Athena promised to exchange wisdom for the apple, Hera offered power in exchange, but Aphrodite promised Paris the most beautiful woman in the world--and so won the golden apple.

Related Image Identifier Link: 
MIA_.21287c.tif