Hand mirror 1887 - 1911

This hand mirror was crafted by André Aucoc, its materials delicate yet resonant. Mother-of-pearl, chosen to reflect light and perhaps evoke purity, frames the glass, inviting a dance between outer appearance and inner self. Mirrors, portals of self-perception, are never mere objects. Throughout history, from Narcissus gazing into the pool to the vanities of Renaissance portraits, they reflect not just our image but our deepest vanities and fears. Notice the handle's floral motifs, reminiscent of ancient fertility symbols, a subtle nod to the perpetual cycle of life and renewal. The mirror, then, is not static; it’s a mutable symbol, transforming with cultural tides. It is a constant reminder of our own mortality and the transient nature of beauty, continually reshaping our understanding of self. Consider how this delicate object, so intimately linked to personal identity, carries within it echoes of centuries past.