924 - Etruscan bronze mirror with a four-line inscription, 5th–3rd centuries B.C.

Etruscan bronze mirror with a four-line inscription, 5th–3rd centuries B.C. Etruscan mirror with a characteristic outline. The round mirror surface flows smoothly into a trapezoidal handle base; below this, on either side of the sloping steps, is the triangular handle pin for securing the mirror in the handle. Unlike most Etruscan mirrors, the rim on the reverse side is not bent into a ridge. This specimen is completely flat on both sides. The front was once highly polished to serve as a mirror. The reverse bears a four-line Etruscan inscription. Both sides are covered with a dark layer of cuprite, which in isolated spots—especially on the front in the lower section—allows one to glimpse the original polish. Otherwise, the cuprite layer is largely covered by a light green oxide layer, which in turn is covered by a thin, brownish layer of earth encrustations. Various flaking of these layers reveals the underlying layer in each instance. On the reverse, when viewed under favorable lighting, the inscription is complete and very legible. However, the surface has been left in its original condition, without removing the layers of oxides and encrustations. There are a few minor chips along the edge; otherwise, it is completely intact. An impressive testament to Etruscan writing that still awaits concrete interpretation by a specialized Etruscologist. Length 17.3 cm. Width 12.7 cm. Thickness 1 mm. CULTURAL HERITAGE! Provenance: Swiss private collection, acquired at the Deutscher Galerie Condition: II