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mirror
Object Type
mirror
Museum number
1888,1110.1
Description
Bronze circular mirror with modified tang and extension, and bone handle. Edge has a row of tongues with internal arches. Obverse decoration partly obscured by the repair. Reverse has border of ivy stems. Main scene is of Menerva (Athena) in the centre holding up the head of the Gorgon Medusa, with Ferse (Perseus) seated left and Turms (Hermes) seated right. Names are inscribed.
Cultures/periods
Etruscan
(Classical)
Production date
400BC-350BC
Production place
Made in:
Vulci
(perhaps)
Findspot
Found/Acquired:
Perugia (city)
Materials
bronze
bone
Technique
engraved
cast
Dimensions
Diameter:
16 centimetres
Height:
23.60 centimetres
Weight:
446 grammes
(with handle; handle only is 38g)
$Inscriptions
Bibliographic references
CSE GB 1,I / Etruscan Mirrors: Archaic and Classical
(No.27)
Bronze / Catalogue of the Bronzes in the British Museum. Greek, Roman & Etruscan.
(620)
Location
On display
(G71/dc28)
Subjects
deity
classical mythology
mythical figure/creature
classical deity
Associated names
Named in inscription & portrayed:
Perseus
Named in inscription & portrayed:
Medusa
Named in inscription & portrayed:
Athena/Minerva
Named in inscription & portrayed:
Hermes/Mercury
Acquisition name
Purchased from:
Prof Wolfgang Helbig
Acquisition date
1888
Department
Greek and Roman
Registration number
1888,1110.1
Conservation
Treatment
: 04 Feb 1998
Treatment
: 12 Jul 1990