The Classical World

Greek archaic mirror

Price: Contact the gallery

Bronze
Greek, 6th century BC

Ø: 15cm

An important and sensational Greek bronze mirror with a slightly raised rim. We call it “The Theano MIrror” (for the reason of our exciting theory drop us a line and we will send you our hypothesis).
The main theme of the decoration centering the mirror is in the shape of a five-leaf flower whose geometry is based on a regular pentagon inscribed inside a circle. According to the Greek mathematical tradition this geometrical construction done by using only a compass and a straight edge, later came to be known as the “Golden Section” .The engraving on our mirror presupposes and necessitates the knowledge, construction and use of a metal compass of great mechanical accuracy.
A row of lines and an artfully crafted braided band decorate the edge of the reverse side.

Condition: Dark green crust-like patina beneath which the bronze core appears. The handle and the handle attachment (gusset) are missing.

Provenance: ex. Dr. L. M., Zurich, Switzerland.

Said to be found together with the olpe, item CL0109b

Item reference: CL0109a

Greek archaic mirror

Share with a friend

Search through our inventory