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Mirror handle in the form of a siren with upturned wings
Greek
Late Archaic Period
500–450 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Bronze
Dimensions
Height: 11.4 cm (4 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase with funds donated by contribution
Accession Number01.7523
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsTools and equipment – Cosmetic and medical
Catalogue Raisonné
Greek, Etruscan, & Roman Bronzes (MFA), no. 357; Sculpture in Stone and Bronze (MFA), p. 122 (additional published references).
DescriptionThis mirror handle takes the form of a Siren surrounded by volutes. The siren stands on small but strong legs, her curving wings outspread and detailed with a series of long curving lines. Her face has minimal details, though her closed mouth and elegantly coiffed hair seem to make her a rather unintimidating monster. The bottom of the siren’s wings and the sides of her tails are connected by decorative curving volutes. The bar that rests atop the head and wings of the siren supports a palmette form: both of these elements would have supported the disc of the mirror.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: with Edward Perry Warren (according to Warren's records: Bought in Rome.); purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren, December, 1901