Artwork Page for Mirror Support: Siren

Details / Information for Mirror Support: Siren

Mirror Support: Siren

c. 475 BCE

Greece, Corinth, presumably of Corinthian or Argive origin

Medium
bronze with silver inlays
Measurements
Overall: 11.5 x 9 cm (4 1/2 x 3 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1967.204
Public Domain
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Location
102C Greek
Print
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Did You Know?

This elaborate siren served a practical function, connecting a separately made handle and mirror, now lost.

Description

This is a bronze of exceptional quality. When complete, it had a cylindrical handle, probably of painted ivory. The reflecting disk was probably of silver, as are the inlays. The intact mirror was obviously an object of great luxury. Sirens (part bird and part woman) were sea-songstresses whose captivating voices drew sailors off course to their deaths. Sirens also accompanied the dead on their voyage to the underworld. The idea was probably imported from Egypt where human-headed ba birds embodied a deceased person's spirit.

Mirror Support: Siren

c. 475 BCE

Greece, Corinth, presumably of Corinthian or Argive origin

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