Mirror. Roman art, 1st century A.D.

Mirror. Roman art, first century A.D.
Bronze with green and red patina.
Provenance: Private collection, by descent; In the same family since the 1960s.
In good state of preservation.
Measurements: 18 cm (height); 10 cm (diameter).

This mirror is characterized by its rim, which is secured with a pattern of visible holes and is framed with a decoration of concentric bands. The design is completed by a slender, finely fluted handle that makes it easy to grip.

Among the personal care items the most significant was the mirror. It could have a rounded shape, following the Etruscan tradition, or a square shape, a very widespread and common model throughout the Empire. Traditionally, mirrors were made of metal - bronze, copper, silver and gold - and had handles finely worked in metal, bone or ivory. According to Pliny the Elder, the most important mirror factory was in Brindisi, although in later times glass mirrors eventually replaced metal mirrors.