<em>Mirror</em>, ca. 1478–1390 B.C.E. Silver and copper alloy, 9 3/4 x diam. 5 1/2 in. (24.7 x 14 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.635E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 37.635E_SL1.jpg)

Mirror, ca. 1478–1390 B.C.E. Silver and copper alloy, 9 3/4 x diam. 5 1/2 in. (24.7 x 14 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.635E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 37.635E_SL1.jpg)

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Did mirrors in Ancient Egypt have a more reflective surface than this? Was there a layer that went on top?

That's a great question. There would not have been another layer actually, it would just have been hammered and then buffed and buffed until the surface became reflective.

Do you know how shiny these mirrors were? Would one be able to see their reflection in it if it was polished?

They would! We can tell from the quality of polished stone that the ancient Egyptians were adept at using abrasives to create exceptionally smooth surfaces.

Metal just doesn't retain a polished surface the same way that diorite does.

We also know that cosmetic application and hair dressing were important parts of Egyptian society that would have required being able to see one's self.

Mirror

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

On View: Egyptian Orientation Gallery, 3rd Floor

The hairstyle of the nude female figure on the handle of this mirror—thick braids surrounding the face—was popular in the middle of the Eighteenth Dynasty, allowing art historians to date the work.

MEDIUM Silver and copper alloy

Reportedly From: Aswan, Egypt

DATES ca. 1478–1390 B.C.E.

DYNASTY Dynasty 18

PERIOD New Kingdom

DIMENSIONS 9 3/4 x diam. 5 1/2 in. (24.7 x 14 cm) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 37.635E

CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Mirror made of silver and copper alloy. Nude female figure-handle. Condition: Vivid dark green patina with some brown areas. Portions afflicted by bronze disease. Obverse has encrustations on parts. Technique: Disc cast without subsequent hammering; handle is solid one-piece casting, even the detail of girl's necklace and sides of papyrus umbrel are cast.

EXHIBITIONS

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Egyptian Orientation Gallery, 3rd Floor

CAPTION Mirror, ca. 1478–1390 B.C.E. Silver and copper alloy, 9 3/4 x diam. 5 1/2 in. (24.7 x 14 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.635E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 37.635E_SL1.jpg)

IMAGE overall, 37.635E_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph

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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY

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