Roman, 3rd century A.D.

Gold, onyx

Overall L: 40 mm

Serial: 38599

Each earring was made of sheet gold, has a hook of pointed wire, and consists of two connected parts. The upper part of roughly round shape, with a flat rim, has a cameo of the gorgoneion: the mask of Medusa. It is shown in a slight three-quarter view so that one wing on the head is depicted. The face is surrounded by her long curly hair-snakes knotted under the chin. The features with frown eyebrows express the terrifying look of the monster. The gorgoneion, a popular motif in the Hellenistic and Roman jewelry, was used as an amulet.

The lower medallion of roughly oval shape is suspended from the upper one with the help of a decorative loop. Framed with a flat rim, it contains a cameo with the woman’s bust in profile executed in white layer of stone and set against the dark-grey background. The lady’s drapery includes the tunic and a loose mantle over it. The elaborate hairstyle is typical for the fashion of the 3rd century A.D.; the long hair is parted in the middle and brushed in waves behind her ears where it falls straight but short of her shoulders, the rest is coiled in a bun at the back of the head (as it is exampled by the hairstyle of the empress Julia Mamaea). In the pair, the earrings would be set in such a way that the women’s heads in left and right profile, as well as the gorgoneia, are turned toward the face of the owner of the earrings, the design enforces the protective powers of the amulets.

CONDITION

Some deposits on the back side.

PROVENANCE

Ex- New York art market, 2004.

PUBLISHED

Ancient Works: Sculpture, Paintings, Mosaics, Glass and Jewelry in Antiquity, New York, 2004, no. 89.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

HENIG M., MOLESWORTH H., The Complete Content Cameos, Turnhout, 2018, p. 57, no. 53-54.

38599