the Black Prince convex mirror

In Mirrors by Mark Evans

The Black Prince convex mirror is in a string of black mirrors I’ve been working on. Of course, black comes in many interpretations so mine are all shades and textures of black. The Black Prince mirror features spheres of dark pyrite and faceted black onyx. Clear Venetian glass rods provide a division between the two layers .

The Black Prince convex mirror is about 10 inches in diameter. It is currently in my studio prior to being shipped to one of my showrooms.

Jewelry for walls!

The Black Prince convex mirror is named for Edward Woodstock, or the Black Prince (15 June 1330 – 8 June 1376). He was the eldest son of King Edward III of England, and the heir apparent to the English throne. He died before his father and so his son, Richard succeeded to the throne instead. Edward nevertheless earned distinction as one of the most successful English commanders during the Hundred Year’s War, being regarded by his English contemporaries as a model of chivalry and one of the greatest knights of his age.

Why is Edward named the Black Prince? Two possible explanations; 1) He wore blackened steel amour in battle, and 2) He was notorious for the brutality of his actions in battle. Probably and combination of the two.

The Black Knight as illustrated in the Bruges Book of the Garter, 1453.
The Black Prince’s tomb effigy in Canterbury Cathedral. One of only six remaining large scale medieval bronze sculptures in England.
The famous Black Prince ruby( actually a spinel but no less spectacular and valuable). At 170 carats its the biggest spinel in the world. The Black Prince snatched it away from Spain in payment for some dirty mercenary word he did.