Egyptian Mirror

Egyptian art was also represented by modest objects of daily use. The craftsmanship of these items reveals a degree of perfection equally found in temples and sculptures.

Belonging to the cosmetic set of a stylish Egyptian woman, this small mirror is made of a bronze disk set in a delicately incised handle. This feature represents a female nude wearing a high wig and necklace. Her left arm is bent in a gracious gesture as she holds a bird against her breast.

This is the “profane” counterpart to the classical sacred decoration for the handle of a mirror, the subject which most often presents the face of the goddess Hathor.