the Chartres Convex Mirror

In All, Mirrors by Arif

The Chartres convex mirror was inspired by the glorious stained glass windows in Chartres cathedral in France.   The gilded wooden frame is covered in dense layers of blue Venetian glass in different shades of lapis lazuli blue.  Studding the frame’s rim are large faceted spheres of sodolite and small cabochons of lapis.

This mirror is a touch over 12 inches in diameter.  It is in my studio until being shipped to one of my showrooms.

Jewelry for walls!

Chartres cathedral is a masterpiece of French Gothic design.  It was built between 1194 and 1220.  The cathedral sits on top of the ruins of previous cathedrals( one of which was burned down by Danish pirates!).

The design of the cathedral was and is an engineering marvel.  Rib vaults and flying buttresses allowed for higher and thinner walls allowing more and bigger windows.  The stained glass is the true glory of Chartres.  The formula for the legendary “Chartres blue” of the glass was believed to have been lost but it is now determined that it is a combination of cobalt and manganese.  For more go to http://artelisaart.blogspot.com/2012/03/secrets-of-chartres-bluehistory-of.html

The facade of Chartres cathedral.

The 12th century Blue Virgin window.  Famous for its vivid blue glass.

The south Rose Window in Chartres.

September in the Labours of the Months” window in south ambulatory.