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Bronze mirror with a support in the form of a draped woman

mid-5th century BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 156
The ancient Greeks used mirrors that were held in the hand or stood independently. This free-standing example of a well established type consists of a base, a supporting figure, and the mirror disk embellished with additional figures around its periphery. The woman, who is probably mortal, wears a woolen garment, a peplos. Above her fly two personifications of love, erotes; originally hounds and hares would have coursed around the disk and a sphinx or siren would have perched on top. The variety of component parts are integrated into a whole that is both balanced and dynamic.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Bronze mirror with a support in the form of a draped woman
  • Period: Classical
  • Date: mid-5th century BCE
  • Culture: Greek
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Dimensions: H. 12 5/8", Diameter 5 3/8"
  • Classification: Bronzes
  • Credit Line: Gift of the family of Thomas A. Spears, in his memory, 2011
  • Object Number: 2011.582
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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