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Mirror with Theseus dragging Procrustes by his hair (?)

Italic, Etruscan
Hellenistic Period
about 300–275 B.C.

Medium/Technique Bronze
Dimensions Diameter: 14.8 cm (5 13/16 in.)
Credit Line Museum purchase with funds donated by contribution
Accession Number01.7467
NOT ON VIEW

Catalogue Raisonné Greek, Etruscan, & Roman Bronzes (MFA), no. 383; Sculpture in Stone and Bronze (MFA), p. 123 (additional published references).
DescriptionEngraved tang mirror

On the reverse of the mirror, within a cable border, a youth, nude with sword and cloak over arm, strides to the left and drags a fallen, grotesque older man by the hair. Only the man's head, right arm and right portion of his chest can be seen.

The handle is missing. Pale green patina.
ProvenanceSaid to be from Orvieto [see note 1]. Possibly Alfred Bourguignon [note 2]. By 1901, Edward Perry Warren (b. 1860 - d. 1928), London; 1901, purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren for $ 50,000.00 [note 3]. (Accession date: December 1, 1901)

Notes:

[1] R. D. De Puma, CSE, USA 2, pp. 23, 33-34 (no. 11), 110-115, figs. 11a-f.

[2] According to Edward Perry Warren’s records.

[3] This figure is the total price for MFA 01.7467-01.8199, 01.8201-01.8238, 01.8240-01.8335, and 01.8476.