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 winged upper body of a woman, the legs made up of metal scrolls, each holding a basked with a bundle of fruits on their heads, and with thin festoons with leaves and fruits tied around their hips. Between them, flanking the bottom of the mirror, is a mask of Gorgon's head, winged, standing on top of a column, decorated with small bundles of flowers and leaves, 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 1/2 × 5 3/16 in. (21.6 × 13.2 cm)
- Classifications: Prints, Ornament & Architecture
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1918
- Object Number: 18.1.2
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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