Roman mirror

ITEM: Mirror
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 30 mm x 152 mm diameter
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, acquired between 1970 - 1990

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

Roman bronze mirrors were widely used throughout the Roman world from the Republican period (5th–1st century BCE) to the Late Empire (5th century CE). These mirrors were typically made from highly polished bronze or copper alloys, as silver mirrors were more expensive and less common. Unlike modern glass mirrors, Roman bronze mirrors relied on their reflective metal surface, which required frequent polishing to maintain clarity. Some were simple and functional, while others were elaborately decorated, often featuring engraved designs, mythological scenes, or inscriptions on the reverse side.

Elaborate bronze mirrors were particularly popular among wealthy Roman women, who used them as part of their personal grooming and beauty routines. Many mirrors were fitted with handles made of bone, ivory, or wood, while others were compact, with folding covers to protect the reflective surface. Some examples bear inscriptions or dedications, suggesting they were gifted as tokens of love, marriage, or status. The decoration on these mirrors often reflected themes associated with beauty, love, and mythology, such as Venus (the goddess of love), nymphs, or scenes from romantic poetry. Their artistic quality demonstrates the sophistication of Roman metalworking and engraving techniques.

Archaeological finds of Roman bronze mirrors in graves, domestic settings, and bathhouses provide insight into their social and cultural significance. Mirrors were often included in burials, particularly those of women, symbolizing beauty and status in both life and the afterlife. They also reflect the Roman influence on personal care and the spread of beauty practices across the empire.