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Mirror
Italic, Etruscan
Hellenistic Period
325–300 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Bronze
Dimensions
Diameter: 15.6 cm (6 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Henry Lillie Pierce Fund
Accession Number99.493
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsTools and equipment – Cosmetic and medical
Catalogue Raisonné
Greek, Etruscan, & Roman Bronzes (MFA), no. 380.
DescriptionEngraved tang mirror
On the reverse of the mirror is an ovolo border with alternating V-shaped points. Within the border are two nude males. On the left is Poseidon, seated on his cloak which has been thrown over the rocks. He is filleted and holds his trident in his left hand. At the right, a youth (Glaukos) stands with a scepter (topped with a pomegranate-shaped finial) in his right hand. There are flowers growing from the rocks between the figures and between Glaukos' legs. Tongue and chevron pattern around, and palmette below.
Green patina.
On the reverse of the mirror is an ovolo border with alternating V-shaped points. Within the border are two nude males. On the left is Poseidon, seated on his cloak which has been thrown over the rocks. He is filleted and holds his trident in his left hand. At the right, a youth (Glaukos) stands with a scepter (topped with a pomegranate-shaped finial) in his right hand. There are flowers growing from the rocks between the figures and between Glaukos' legs. Tongue and chevron pattern around, and palmette below.
Green patina.
ProvenanceBy 1899: with E. P. Warren; purchased by MFA from E. P. Warren, 1899, for $ 32,500.00 (this is the total price for MFA 99.338-99.542)