An illumination apparatus for a vehicle component, especially for a rearview device of a motor vehicle, features at least one illuminant for emitting light and a condenser unit having at least one condenser lens. The condenser unit is adapted to focus the light emitted by the at least one illuminant into an optical path. At least one mask means is provided, which is arranged in the optical path and by means of which an image, symbol, logo and/or legend can be displayed on a projection surface. A lens unit having at least one objective lens, is arranged in the optical path, and at least one reflector unit, is arranged between the condenser unit and the projection surface. The reflector unit is adapted to deflect the optical path, especially essentially transversely or diagonally, to the projection surface, wherein the reflector unit comprises a reflector element which comprises at least one surface section by means of which the light can be deflected relative to the optical path. The surface section of the reflector element is configured as a freeform surface in order to focus the light.