Reflections in bronze - Greek box mirrors, 4th-3rd centuries BC

 

The box mirror - hinged and clasped, quite similar to a modern make-up compact - came into use toward the end of the fifth century B.C. Under a separately crafted protective cover was the mirror, a cast-bronze disk with a highly polished surface.

Cover depicting the head of a woman, second quarter of the 4th century B.C. or later. Diameter: 6 1/8 inches.

Cover depicting Paris and Helen, late 4th century B.C. Diameter: 6 1/10 inches. (Two images.)

Cover depicting a woman's head, last quarter of the 4th century B.C. Diameter: 6 11/16 inches.

Cover depicting a winged female - possibly Nike - holding a wreath and a swan or goose, 3rd century B.C. Diameter: 6 inches.

 Cover depicting a woman's head, 4th-3rd century B.C. Diameter: 6 1/2 inches. (Two images.)

In the collection of the Walters Art Museum, the cover is described as depicting a "bathing maiden"; but the wings? 3rd century B.C. Diameter: 5 inches.

Cover depicting Jason and the Golden Fleece, second half of the 4th century B.C. 

Cover depicting the god Pan - possibly with the features of Alexander the Great - 3rd century B.C. Diameter: 6 3/4 inches.