Mirrors, from Ancient Obsidian to the Auction Block

From volcanic obsidian to gilded Georgian frames, mirrors have been coveted objects for eight thousand years.

By Sheila Gibson StoodleyAugust 16, 2026

Above: This English giltwood mirror pair in the early Georgian style, dating from circa 1715, sold for $80,000 plus buyer’s premium at Freeman's, Chicago, IL, in July 2026. Image courtesy of Freeman's and LiveAuctioneers.

NEW YORK — We have always been desperate to get a good look at ourselves. The earliest known mirror, found near what is now Konya, Turkey, dates to 6200 BC, predating the Copper, Bronze, and Iron Ages. It was made from obsidian, a form of black glass produced by volcanic eruptions. Human beings did make mirrors out of bronze and copper when metal-working advances allowed, but before then, the materials fashioned into tools to show us our own faces included mica, marble, selenite, slate, pyrite (also known as fool’s gold), anthracite (a type of coal), hematite and magnetite (both are iron ores). Pretty much any substance that could take a shine met the need.

This Irish ebonized and giltwood overmantel mirror in the Egyptian Revival style, dating from Regency period circa 1810-1820, sold for $22,000 plus buyer’s premium at Andrew Jones Auctions, Los Angeles, CA, in February 2026. Image courtesy of Andrew Jones Auctions and LiveAuctioneers.

The leading civilizations of the ancient world embraced mirrors, none more so than the Egyptians (how else were they to apply their beloved cosmetics?). Even the most modest ancient Egyptian graves contained a mirror, even if it was just a piece of wood painted to mimic one. The Romans fitted their public baths with mirrors, prompting Seneca to comment, “We think ourselves poorly off, living like paupers, if the walls [of the baths] are not ablaze with large and costly mirrors”. And, of course, the ancient Greeks, via Ovid, gave us the myth of Narcissus, the young man who fell in love with his own reflection. For centuries, mirror-making was cutting-edge technology, and mirrors were regarded as luxury goods. According to Mark Pendergrast’s 2003 book Mirror Mirror: A History of the Human Love Affair with Reflection, “At the beginning of the sixteenth century, a Venetian mirror in an elaborate silver frame was valued at 8,000 pounds, nearly three times the contemporary price of a painting by Raphael”. The Hall of Mirrors in the royal Palace of Versailles near Paris, France is as impressive today as it was when it was completed in 1684.

This French giltwood mirror in the Louis Philippe floral relief style, dating from mid-19th century circa 1830-1848, sold for $3,200 plus buyer’s premium at Mynt Auctions, New York, NY, in July 2026. Image courtesy of Mynt Auctions and LiveAuctioneers.

Mirrors are no longer seen as miraculous or magical, except perhaps those fitted inside the massive telescopes that are revealing the secrets of the skies far beyond our home planet. Nor do we need mirrors to amplify and spread light — electricity has assumed that role. Nonetheless, we love mirrors and place at least a few in our homes. The desire to own a mirror that is as beautiful, or even more beautiful, than those who gaze into it is natural and normal, and not at all narcissistic.

This Italian giltwood mirror in the mid-century sunburst style, dating from c.2010, sold for $3,100 plus buyer’s premium at Bidhaus, New York, NY, in April 2026. Image courtesy of Bidhaus and LiveAuctioneers.

At auction, you will find mirrors of every style and size. They come from many different periods, and prices typically range from two figures to five figures. Check the lot photographs for any imperfections, or contact the auctioneer for more information.

Sheila Gibson Stoodley writes about auctions in North America for Antiques Trade Gazette. She has been the associate editor for Auction Central News and has written and edited for Robb Report, Art & Antiques magazine, and Andrew Harper online. She also authored The Hot Bid, a blog devoted to intriguing and delightful lots coming up at auction.