So far I have found no reflections in Meitar.
So for today's Weekend Reflections let's go back to some images I secretly took in the Israel Museum.
The guard came around the corner just as I was going to photograph the explanatory sign.
So all I can tell you about the unusual exhibit is that it is called a "Venetian 18th century room."
Mirror tiles everywhere!
Maybe our blog friends in Versailles and Italy can tell us more.
Meanwhile, Wikipedia has this curious story:
In the 17th century, mirrors were among the most expensive items to possess and at the time, the Venetian Republic held the monopoly on the manufacture of mirrors..
In order to maintain the integrity of his philosophy of mercantilism, which required that all items used in the decoration of Versailles be made in France, Jean-Baptiste Colbert enticed several workers from Venice to make mirrors at the Manufacture royale de glaces de miroirs.
According to legend, in order to keep its monopoly, the government of the Venetian Republic sent agents to France to poison the workers whom Colbert had brought to France.
Monopoly sounds a bit too much, on Encyclopedia Britanica I found this: The use of glass with a metallic backing commenced in the late 12th and early 13th centuries, and, by the time of the Renaissance, Nürnberg and Venice had established outstanding reputations as centres of mirror production. The mirrors produced in Venice were famous for their high quality. Despite the strictures of the doges, Venetian workmen succumbed to the temptation to carry the secrets of their craft to other cities, and, by the middle of the 17th century, mirror making was practiced extensively in London and Paris. Generally, mirrors were extremely expensive--especially the larger variety--and the wonderment created at the time by the royal palace at Versailles was due in part to the profusion of mirrors that adorned the state rooms.
ReplyDeleteWho could have thought that mirror maker was such a dangerous job?! :o)
ReplyDeleteVery interesting post and great pictures !
Superbe !
ReplyDeleteWonderful post. You made great shots in low light and under some pressure from the guards.
ReplyDeleteA monopoly on mirror manufacturing - I never would have guessed. Despite all those mirrors to reflect the light, the room looks kind of creepy to my 21st century eyes.
ReplyDeleteI love the way you sneak those photos. I never have the nerve.
ReplyDeleteThose mirror gives so much perspective to the room... Nice catch !
ReplyDeleteMight the 'museum police' be on your tail? hahaha
ReplyDeletesuch intrigue for mirror manufacturing! such luxurious looking rooms
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing, often my blog reading takes me on a journey to the most glorious cities!
great post...nice photos...
ReplyDeleteThese are wonderful shots! Glad you managed to take them.
ReplyDelete