Cosmetic Applicator
Ancient Mediterranean
4th-6th century
Medium
Glass
Dimensions
10.8 × 0.6 cm (4 1/4 × 1/4 in.); Diam.: 0.6 cm (1/4 in.)
Classification
glass
Department
Arts of Greece, Rome, and Byzantium
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
67390
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Initially affordable only among the wealthy, glass was used in ancient Rome to create tableware and containers for oils and perfume. This delicate applicator would have been just one object among the array of mirrors, combs, and palettes for mixing cosmetics, as well as bottles and other containers for products used to beautify prosperous Romans.