Not currently on display at the V&A

Mirror and Case

mid 16th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Gilt copper mirror case with a hinged lid that is fastened with a pin. At the top is a handle in the Mannerist style for suspension. The back of the frame is open and enclosed by a raised moulded border. It was probably here that the mirror was held.The border of the case is decorated with egg ornament in banded oval borders.Upon the lid, two flying cupids shower stems of flowers upon two female figures below. Between the women is an altar on which a heart is consumed in flames. The figure on the right, attended by a cupid, kindles the fire with a flaming torch, the figure on the left, attended by a dog, extinguishes the flames with water from a jug. In the centre of the lid is another hinged plaque, which may have held a second mirror or a portrait. It depicts Cupid in relief standing upon an altar holding a flaming torch downwards in his left hand and raising up a covered cup in his right.


Object details

Category
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Mirror Case
  • Mirror
Materials and techniques
Gilt Copper
Brief description
Part of mirror case.

Gilt copper, possibly French, late sixteenth century.; Base metal, Continental
Physical description
Gilt copper mirror case with a hinged lid that is fastened with a pin. At the top is a handle in the Mannerist style for suspension. The back of the frame is open and enclosed by a raised moulded border. It was probably here that the mirror was held.The border of the case is decorated with egg ornament in banded oval borders.Upon the lid, two flying cupids shower stems of flowers upon two female figures below. Between the women is an altar on which a heart is consumed in flames. The figure on the right, attended by a cupid, kindles the fire with a flaming torch, the figure on the left, attended by a dog, extinguishes the flames with water from a jug. In the centre of the lid is another hinged plaque, which may have held a second mirror or a portrait. It depicts Cupid in relief standing upon an altar holding a flaming torch downwards in his left hand and raising up a covered cup in his right.
Dimensions
  • Edge to edge of the case; does not include suspension loop. height: 10cm
  • Across centre of case. width: 7cm
Style
Object history
Bought from Mr R. M. Byrne
Subject depicted
Collection
Accession number
M.25:2-1985

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Record createdNovember 2, 2005
Record URL
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