Plate 16: mythological figure holding a mirror 1756

This engraving of a mythological figure holding a mirror was made by Bartolomeo Crivellari in Italy, sometime in the 1700s. It presents us with a figure, perhaps an allegorical representation of Prudence or Truth, gazing into a mirror, framed by classical motifs. The image creates meaning through its references to classical antiquity, a common practice in 18th-century European art, where artists frequently drew inspiration from Greek and Roman mythology and aesthetics. This was the time of the Grand Tour, when wealthy Europeans, particularly the British, traveled to Italy to immerse themselves in its artistic and cultural heritage. The print reflects the neoclassical movement's emphasis on reason, order, and the revival of classical forms in response to the preceding Baroque and Rococo styles. To fully understand the social and institutional context of such works, we might consult period treatises on art and architecture. We could also examine collections of prints and drawings, like those at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, to understand the circulation and reception of such images. Art historians consider these factors to better understand the role of art in shaping cultural values.