Mirror
Unknown Artist
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
Other: 2 15/16in. (7.5cm)
Classification
Bronzes
Culture
Roman, Cypriot
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
Accession Number
74.51.5420
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate bronze mirror, hailing from Roman Cyprus, offers a glimpse into the everyday elegance of ancient Mediterranean life. Crafted during the Roman period—likely the 1st and th centuries CE, when Cyprus flourished under Roman rule—this small handheld object measures just 2 15/16 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter, perfect for personal. Its Cypriot Roman reflects a vibrant fusion of Greek, Eastern, and imperial Roman influences, where such mirrors were essential toilette accessories for both men and women. Bronze, a prized alloy of copper and tin, was cast and polished to a high sheen, showca...