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Mirror and handle with Achilles and Troilus
Greek
Late Classical Period
about 325 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Bronze
Dimensions
Height: 27.9 cm (11 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Paul E. Manheim
Accession Number1970.239
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsTools and equipment – Cosmetic and medical
Catalogue Raisonné
Greek, Etruscan, & Roman Bronzes (MFA), no. 357A; Sculpture in Stone and Bronze (MFA), p. 123 (additional published references).
DescriptionTarentine mirror and handle with scene of Achilles and Troilos. The reverse of the disc has a series of concentric moldings culminating in a point at the center. The attachment at the upper back of the handle takes the form of a tall palmette with volutes. The openwork scene on the front of the handle, below the ovolo and tongue moldings and between the flaring acanthus, is set on wavy ground above the Ionic capital. Achilles, wearing helmet, cloak, and his shield over his shoulder, has dragged the panic-stricken young Troilos by the hair from his horse and is about to stab him with a short sword. The youth's cloak trails on the ground beneath his body, and the horse is about to gallop away, reins flying free. Light green patina with heavy encrustation on the polished surface of the disc. Sections of the figured surface restored in wax.
ProvenanceAccording to a letter from H. A. Cahn: found at the coast of Taranto; by 1967: with Münzen und Medaillen A.G., Malzgasse 25, Basel (Münzen und Medaillen A.G., auction 34, May 6, 1967, lot 17); by 1970: probably with Royal Athena Galleries, 1066 Madison Avenue, New York; 1970: Paul E. Manheim Collection; gift of Paul E. Manheim to MFA, March 11, 1970