Mirror c. 3th century

This bronze mirror was crafted by an Etruscan artisan in Orvieto, a central Italian city, sometime between the 4th and 3rd centuries BCE. It gives us a glimpse into the lives of Etruscan women, who, unlike their Greek and Roman counterparts, enjoyed considerable freedom and status. Imagine an Etruscan woman holding this mirror, perhaps a priestess or a noblewoman, using it not only to reflect her physical image but also to contemplate her role in society. The mirror’s surface, now patinated with age, once reflected not just an individual, but also the values and expectations of Etruscan culture. Its detailed engravings—likely depicting mythological scenes— hint at the stories and beliefs that shaped her worldview. The mirror stands as a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in representations of femininity and identity throughout history. The emotional resonance of this object lies in its ability to connect us to the intimate rituals and self-perceptions of women from a civilization long past.