Description:

**Previously Listed For $50 **

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 5th century CE. Roman lead votive mirrors like this one are fascinating objects, found by the hundreds in the graves of women or at shrines dedicated to female cults, such as Selene, Aphrodite, Isis, Venus, or Hera. Lead is too soft a material to be used every day, and the small piece of glass in the center is also clearly too small to provide a large enough reflective surface for actual cosmetic use. Some scholars have theorized that they were made only to be used to view the eye, perhaps in relation to religious feelings about watching god. Lead, with its murky color, was associated with the Underworld and with the world of magic. Many have inscriptions around the edge, but this one has a garland pattern, with a loop for suspension. A fascinating object that gives us insight into a lost world of Roman women's religion. Size: 1.5" W x 1.9" H (3.8 cm x 4.8 cm)

Provenance: Ex-private J. Connell collection, Massachusetts.

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#100879

  • Condition: Missing its glass; slight bending to shape with surface wear.

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March 27, 2017 10:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000