The symbolism of the mirror in pre-raphaelite paintings

The subject of this thesis is the use of the mirror and its symbolic associations in certain Pre-Raphaelite paintings. After a short introduction about the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and the importance of the symbols in general in their art I deal with the emblem of the mirror and its different meanings in particular pictures. I examine the way, how the mirror represents the symbol of vanity, Venus, mimesis, art and the "doppelgnger" motif. In Take Your Son, Sir! by Ford Madox Brown I also examine what features make the painting similar to a modern icon and how can be the woman interpreted as the Virgin Mary. By analysing these pictures I point out that the frequent use of the mirror is not accidental and the Pre-Raphaelite painters, who were otherwise sensitive to symbols just like the medieval artists they adored, were likely to use this icon exploiting its various symbolic meanings.