the Isabella convex mirror

In Mirrors by Mark Evans

The Isabella convex mirror is a blend of crystal and champagne/gold colors. Layers of Venetian glass rods lead to points embellished with both smooth and faceted quartz and citrine. Clear glass cabochons finish the design.

The Isabellas convex mirror is about 13 inches in diameter. It hangs in my studio pending being shipped to one of my showrooms.

Jewelry for walls!

Statue of Isabelle of Castile by Bigarny. In Capilla Real of Granada

The name Isabella is translated as “devoted to god” and no person can personify that more perfectly than Queen Isabella of Castile ( 22 April 1451 – 26 November 1504). That is if being “devoted to god” means being a fervent, fanatic Catholic in the 15th century. Isabella I of Castile and her spouse Ferdinand II of Aragon are known for being the first monarchs to be referred to as the “Queen of Spain” and “King of Spain” respectively. Their actions included completion of the violent  unification of Spain, the mass expulsion of Jews and followers of Islam, initiating the bloody fanaticism of the Inquisition, the financing of Christopher Columbus’ 1492 journey to the New World, and thereby establishing the Spanish Empire, making Spain a major power in the world and ultimately ushering the Spanish Golden Age. During all this she gave birth to seven children who ended up populating many of Europe’s thrones, including Queen Catherine of Aragon , spouse of Henry VIII.

As historically destructive and short sighted are the results of Isabella’s reign, she also ushered in the age of Velasquez, Goya, Cervantes, El Greco, Zurbaran and Vega.

Isabella around 1490