black mirror

Thus, when Manet speaks of using the black mirror—and X-ray examinations of the head seem to confirm his statements—he does so, apparently, in the manner of those Renaissance painters who saw it as a “judge” and “master”.

She had marvellous eyes; great, wide-open, and as black and soft as velvet, with a mysterious depth. To look in them was like gazing at a black mirror such as Doctor Dee used in his wizard rites.