ABSTRACT
In Christian art a 'flawless mirror', speculum sine macula,4 is an attribute of the VIRGIN MARY of the Immaculate Conception. The Virgin's reflection in a mirror held by a bishop identifies Geminianus of Modena (d.? 348). In Renaissance allegory a mirror is an attribute of Prudence, one of the CARDINAL VIRTUES, and Truth; of the vices Pride, Vanity and Lust (the latter derived from the classical Venus) (see SEVEN DEADLY SINS); and of Sight, one of the FIVE SENSES. See also CIRCLE.
