Mirror
Unknown Artist
6th century BCE
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
Other: 5 7/8in. (14.9cm)
Classification
Bronzes
Culture
Greek, Cypriot
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
Accession Number
74.51.5431
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite bronze mirror, crafted by an unknown Cypriot Greek artisan around the 6th century, offers a glimpse into the daily luxuries of the ancient Mediterranean world. Measuring just 5 7/8 inches (14.9 cm), its compact size suggests it was a personal grooming tool, likely held in the hand for private use by women in elite households. As part of the Archaic period, when Cyprus bridged Greek, Phoenician, and Eastern influences, such mirrors were symbols of refinement and beauty. Bronze, a prized alloy of copper and tin, was cast using sophisticated lost-wax techniques, allowing for smoot...