FASHION ACCESSORIES

MIRRORS &
MAGNIFYING GLASSES

ATTENTION
THIS SITE WILL NOT BE UPDATED AFTER APRIL 2005
PLEASE VISIT OUR NEW SITE

www.PalaceGallery.net

 THERE YOU WILL FIND A PAYPAL SHOPPING CART
AND MANY NEW ITEMS NOT ON THIS SITE!

MIRRORS

In the late 13th century mirrors were being made at Murano near Venice by pouring lead on a hot plate of glass. This process made a much clearer image than the polished metal mirrors used previously. Since the glass was blown and sliced the mirrors were limited and seldom larger than a florin piece. Women wore little round hand mirrors attached to their girdles, around their necks, on fans and concealed in little books. Men had them set in sword hilts, concealed them in their hats, and carried them in silk and velvet cases.

OUT OF STOCK
Large Silver Girdle Mirror


This girdle mirror is made of sterling silver. Measures () inches and comes with a chain.

OUT OF STOCK
GA4B
Large Girdle Mirror
$36.00

Small Silver Girdle Mirror


This girdle mirror is made of sterling silver. Measures () inches and comes with a chain.

GA4C
Small Girdle Mirror
$28.00

Mirror Book

In the mid-sixteenth century it was fashionable to disguise the pocket mirror as a little book, looking like a prayer book. A small hand-mirror concealed in "a little book with an embroidered cover" was found among the possession of Anna, "Queen of the Romans," consort of the future Emperor Maximilian II, on her death in 1547. The courtiers at the court of King Henry III of France carried their mirrors in book form in their right-hand breeches pockets. Queen Margaret of Spain, wife of King Philip III, had a pocket-mirror in a book cover set in enamelled gold.
Mirror Book


A small oval mirror mounted on a wooden form disguised as a small book with a plain brocade or embellished velvet cover. Hangs from a cord for attaching to a girdle.
Black Plain only!
GA3A
Plain Brocade Mirror Book
$28.00
GA3B
Medalion Mirror Book
$45.00

MAGNIFYING GLASSES

Although eyeglasses had come into use by the end of the 15th century, the most common seeing aid during the Renaissance was the "scrying glass" a small magnifying glass that was used for reading and examining small items. Many paintings show these sometimes ornate objects, such as Raphael's Leo X painted in 1517, showing the first Medici Pope holding a magnifying glass in his hand with an open tome on the table in front of him. Another painting of Pope Julius II by Vernet shows that pope holding a magnifying glass while discussing the plans for St. Peter's with Michelangelo.

"Docents" Magnifying Glass


An ornate magnifying glass on a 32" chain represents a stylish "scrying glass". Make with museum gold this pendant measures 3" in height and is 1 1/2" wide. Can be attached to a girdle or worn around the neck.
Antiquities Collection
GA2A
Docents Magnifying Glass
$48.00
"Florentine" Magnifying Glass


The famous flame design decorates the handle of this "scrying glass". This sterling silver pendant measures 4" in height and the glass is 1 1/2 " in diameter. Can be attached to a girdle or worn around the neck.
GA2B
Florentine Magnifying Glass
$38.00
Coming in 2004
"Lorgnette" Magnifying Glass


This unique lorgnette has a long handle and is based on designs popular during the Renaissance. Made of museum gold this pendant measures 5" in height and is 1 1/2" wide. The 31" chain can be attached to a girdle or worn around the neck.
Antiquities Collection
GA2E
Lorgnette Magnifying Glass
$60.00


FASHION ACCESSORIES
Feather Fans & Flag Fans - Fleafurs & Pomanders - Mirrors & Magnifing Glasses - Keys & Sewing Aids

Court Dresses\ Rapier Armor\ Headwear\ Pouches\ Accessories\ Jewelry\ Books
Home\ Guarantee\ Order Form\ Send Email