Design for an oval hand mirror
Engraving with an ornamental design for an oval hand mirror, part of a set of six designs for mirrors of the same type, likely created after designs by Étienne Delaune. On either side of the frame is the upper body of a woman, her arms and legs made up of scrolling motifs, the lower body decorated with bundles of fruits and leaves. Their heads are flanked above by baskets with flames. The lower part of the scrolls that make up the two women's legs is head of a satyr, standing on top of a pear-shaped 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 an oval hand mirror
- Artist: After Etienne Delaune (French, Orléans 1518/19–1583 Strasbourg) (?)
- Date: 16th century (?)
- Medium: Engraving
- Dimensions: Sheet: 7 15/16 × 4 1/2 in. (20.1 × 11.5 cm)
- Classifications: Prints, Ornament & Architecture
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1918
- Object Number: 18.1.4
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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