Mirror with Engraved Scene: Man Threatening Child (Telephos and Orestes?)
Unknown Artist
c. 330–300 BCE
Medium
bronze
Dimensions
l. 33 cm
Classification
Metalwork
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of Mrs. John Huntington
Accession Number
1920.170
About this artwork
Cast in one piece, this bronze mirror features a handle terminating in a stylized deer head. The front side of the disc, once highly polished and reflective, would have served as a mirror, while the reverse—now on display—features an engraved figural scene. Best observed with the aid of a line drawing, this shows a bearded man holding a small child whom he threatens with his sword. Although it lacks inscriptions and certain expected iconographical features, this scene may represent the wounded w...