A German 18/21k gold and granulation brooch with an ancient Roman layered onyx cameo of a Medusa head.
A German 18/21k gold and granulation brooch with an ancient Roman layered onyx cameo of a Medusa head.
Repoussé cinquefoil design with stylised granulation, centrally set with an ancient Roman layered onxy cameo carved with the head of Medusa (ca. 19.4 x 17.6 x 12.8 mm). Can also be worn as a pendant via a hook on the reverse. Hallmarks: Fineness 750, maker's mark. The nose of the cameo slightly chipped. Diameter 5.2 cm. Weight 37.74 g.
Wilhelm Nagel, Cologne 1950s, the cameo 2nd/3rd century AD.
These Medusa heads (known as "Gorgonaia") were said to have an apotropaic effect and were worn as protective amulets. In Greek mythology, Medusa was a monster with snakes for hair. If you looked directly at her, you turned to stone. She was decapitated by the hero Perseus through trickery and the goddess Athena subsequently carried her head on a protective shield to ward off evil.
Provenance
Private ownership, Rhineland.
Bid on this lot
A German 18/21k gold and granulation brooch with an ancient Roman layered onyx cameo of a Medusa head.
Repoussé cinquefoil design with stylised granulation, centrally set with an ancient Roman layered onxy cameo carved with the head of Medusa (ca. 19.4 x 17.6 x 12.8 mm). Can also be worn as a pendant via a hook on the reverse. Hallmarks: Fineness 750, maker's mark. The nose of the cameo slightly chipped. Diameter 5.2 cm. Weight 37.74 g.
Wilhelm Nagel, Cologne 1950s, the cameo 2nd/3rd century AD.
These Medusa heads (known as "Gorgonaia") were said to have an apotropaic effect and were worn as protective amulets. In Greek mythology, Medusa was a monster with snakes for hair. If you looked directly at her, you turned to stone. She was decapitated by the hero Perseus through trickery and the goddess Athena subsequently carried her head on a protective shield to ward off evil.
Provenance
Private ownership, Rhineland.
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