Design for a round hand mirror
Engraving with an ornamental design for a round hand mirror, part of a set of six designs for mirrors of the same type, likely created after designs by Étienne Delaune. The frame of the mirror is supported on either side by the upper body of a woman, attached to ornamental scrapwork, and flanked above by a large metal scroll. The two women are not exactly identical: the one on the left is holding the scrolls around her with her hands, while the other has her arms stretched behind her back; the latter is also holding a bundle of fruits on her legs. Between the two women, flanking the bottom of the mirror, is a strapwork cartouche with a female face mask with curled hair, flanked by a small crescent moon. This mask stands on top of a corinthian capitol of a fluted column, which makes up the handle of the mirror. The lower part of the column is flanked by a small ring, which would have been used to decorate the design with tassels or ribbons, or maybe even to hang the object from walls. This type of design for mirrors was very popular during the 16th century in france and Europe. They were often produced in silver and, in exceptional cases, in gold, with the use of gems, semi-precious stones, or colored glass to add color to the designs.
Artwork Details
- Title: Design for a round hand mirror
- Artist: After Etienne Delaune (French, Orléans 1518/19–1583 Strasbourg) (?)
- Date: 16th century (?)
- Medium: Engraving
- Dimensions: Sheet: 8 9/16 x 5 1/16 in. (21.7 x 12.9 cm)
- Classifications: Prints, Ornament & Architecture
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1918
- Object Number: 18.1.1
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
More Artwork
Related Content
Publications
Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.
Free to download
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.