Design for a Sink and Vanity 19th century

This is an anonymous design for a sink and vanity made with pen and gray ink. The design is dominated by a large, rectangular mirror, framed by neoclassical elements such as columns and a decorative wreath at the top. Mirrors, throughout history, have been far more than reflective surfaces. Consider the myth of Narcissus, who wasted away staring at his own reflection. Or think about the widespread use of mirrors in memento mori paintings, reminding us of our vanity and mortality. Even further back, to ancient Rome, Pliny speaks of using mirrors to try to diagnose disease, showing the power they were thought to possess. Over time, the mirror's symbolism has become entwined with self-awareness and introspection. The mirror is not merely a functional object, but a symbol laden with cultural and psychological weight. It reflects our changing perceptions of self and the world around us, resurfacing in art across millennia.