Etruscan Bronze Mirror with the Dioscuroi Castor and Pollux

Culture: Etruscan

Period: 3rd century B.C.

Material: Bronze

Dimensions: 24.2 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 4114

Provenance: German private collection Dr. Böttger, acquired in the 1960s. 2001 sold to G. Landois (1925-2016) in Lugano.

Condition: The handle minimally bent, otherwise intact.

Description: Circular Etruscan bronze mirror with engraved scene on the reverse. Two figures, the Dioscuroi, in long, belted vestment facing each other in mirror-image with crossed legs. They wear helmets and each figure has one bent arm turned outwards. Between them oval notches, which possibly could be interpreted as stars. The other side with very fine notches. The circular, smooth mirror surface hatched at the border. The handle with floral decoration and fine profiling. The handle terminal in form of a stylized animal head, possibly from a horse or a hind. For reference of the walking posture of the Dioscuroi see the mirror in the Metropolitan Museum of Art with the accession number 96.9.371. Mounted.