Artwork
Design for the back of a gem-set handmirror
Design for the back of a gem-set handmirror is a drawing by the Renaissance artist Etienne Delaune. It dates from 1561 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This drawing shows a fancy mirror back. A woman lies dying while a winged figure hovers above. Jewels and scrolls fill every corner.
It was made in 1561 for a real gold mirror. The artist mixed stories—Julia’s death with the Four Elements. Fortune’s wheel spins at the top, hinting at luck’s ups and downs.
Look up the technique called cross-hatching to see how the artist shaded every inch.
Overview
This drawing is a design for the back of a gem-set handmirror, created in 1561. It features a complex composition with multiple figures and ornate details.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts the Death of Julia, daughter of Caesar, accompanied by an allegorical figure of Fortune and representations of the Four Elements. The scene combines historical and mythological themes, with Fortune's wheel symbolizing the capricious nature of fate.
Technique & Style
The artist, Etienne Delaune, employed the technique of cross-hatching to achieve detailed shading throughout the drawing. The work reflects the influence of the Fontainebleau style, characterized by elegant motifs and refined execution, reinterpreted in Delaune's distinctive manner.
History & Provenance
The drawing is the original design for an engraving, signed and dated 1561. It was created for a gem-set handmirror, indicating Delaune's role as a goldsmith and designer for luxury items.
Artist & collection
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