Bronze Mirror with Traces of Gilding in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, December 2008

Bronze Mirror with Traces of Gilding
Roman, mid-2nd century AD

Accession # 1978.11.4

The mirror is decorated with a scene from Greek mythology- Europa and the Bull (who represents Zeus / Jupiter in disguise). Such classicizing subjects were popular on Roman mirrors made principally during the Antonine period, and examples have been found in many distant parts of the Empire. With its mythological scene and gilded surface, this work is therefore a good example of the material wealth and comfort enjoyed by many ordinary people under the pax Romana, the peace, stability, and prosperity provided by Rome.

Text from the Metropolitan Museum of Art label.