What's a witch's mirror?
A witch's mirror is an object often used in fiction for magical practices or to speak with supernatural entities. It can also be seen as a symbol of divination or meditation.
A witch mirror also describes a type of mirror known as a "witch's eye" or "banker's mirror". This round, convex mirror allows you to keep an eye on an area without having to physically move.
In fact, this special feature of convex mirrors enables its owners to see an entire room. All without having to change position or turn around. That's why they were first and foremost used for surveillance. Witches' mirrors were often placed in places where most surveillance cameras are found today, i.e. in banks and stores; hence the name "banker's mirror".
As an element of power, surveillance and deterrence, witches' mirrors made their way into middle-class circles as early as the 15th century. This was precisely where servants aroused the mistrust of their masters. The latter were relatively illiterate and more inclined to believe in the truth of superstitions. They believed that mirrors continued to see and observe them, even when their masters were not present. Hence the most famous name attributed to this mirror: the"witch's mirror".
Witch's mirror: its history
The history of the witch's mirror dates back toancient times, when mirrors were considered magical and mystical objects. Mirrors were often associated with divination and witchcraft, and witches were believed to use mirrors to predict the future and communicate with spirits.
In the Middle Ages, superstitious beliefs about mirrors intensified, and mirrors were often associated with witchcraft and black magic. People believed that mirrors could hold back the soul, and that they were capable of causing illness or misfortune by reflecting negative energies.
The witch's mirror was made popular by the numerous paintings of Flemish artists. They made their appearance in the 15th century. This was because they saw it as a perfect way to experiment with optics and, above all, to play with perspective, thanks to the object's multiple viewing angles. One of the best-known paintings is Jan van Eyck's Les Epoux Arnolfini (1434), in which the convex mirror reveals second planes full of new characters, adding depth to the painted scene.
The materials
Witches' mirrors can be made from a variety of materials, such as :
- Glass: glass is the most commonly used material for mirrors. It can be polished and treated to provide a clear, sharp image.
- Metal: some witch's mirrors are made from metal, such as silver or aluminum, for a shiny metallic finish.
- Wood: mirrors can also be made from wood, offering a natural, organic finish.
- Synthetic materials: some mirrors can be made from synthetic materials such as resins or plastics for a durable, lightweight finish.
Ultimately, the material chosen depends on personal preference and decorative purpose. Glass mirrors are often the most commonly used for witch's mirrors due to their availability and clear image quality.
How do you incorporate a witch's mirror into your decor?
Witch mirrors can be used in decorating to add depth and visual interest to a space. Their unique shape can help create an optical illusion, visually enlarging the space and reflecting light in an attractive way. Convex mirrors are often used to decorate walls or hung as decorative pieces.
There are many ways to incorporate a witch's mirror into your decor:
- As acentral object: use the witch's mirror as a focal point in a room by hanging it on the wall or placing it on a console.
- As awall decoration element: add a witch's eye mirror to a gallery of mirrors to create a coherent, quirky look. And you can even dress an entire wall with witch's eye mirrors for a surprising play of perspectives and maximum luminosity.
- As atable accessory: place the witch mirror on a side table or console to add a mystical touch to the space.
- In a boudoir room: use a witch's mirror to enhance the mystical ambience of a bedroom or bathroom.
A vintage "witch's eye" mirror can be combined with a variety of elements to create a coherent decor. Some ideas for combining a vintage witch's eye mirror in interior design:
- Antique furniture: combine the mirror with antique furniture for a vintage, historic look.
- Plants: add green plants or dried herbs for a touch of nature and invigorating energy.
- Candles: use candles to create a warm, mystical atmosphere.
- Textiles: add textiles such as tapestries, curtains or blankets for a touch of color and texture.
- Craftsmanship: pair the mirror with handicrafts such as wicker baskets, pottery or wooden objects for a natural, organic look.
Where can I buy a vintage witch's mirror?
There are several places where you can buy a vintage witch mirror:
- Second-hand furniture stores: some second-hand furniture stores may have antique witch's mirrors for sale.
- Auctions: auctions can be a good place to find antique witch's mirrors, often at affordable prices.
- Flea markets and second-hand shops: flea markets and second-hand shops can be a good place to find original antique witch's mirrors.
- Vintage decorating stores: some vintage decorating stores offer antique witch's mirrors, often restored and ready to be integrated into your decor.
- Online: there are many sites selling antiques online, such as Proantic, Anticstore, Galerie Atenaoffer unique antique mirrors for sale.
