Published Greek Hellenistic Roundel w/ Medusa, TL'd

Greece, late Hellenistic period, ca. 1st century BCE. An impressive, mold-made terracotta roundel, presenting with a raised rim, a projecting head of a gorgon, likely Medusa, in low to high relief. Rendered with remarkable realism, the youthful figure slightly turns to her right and gazes forward, boasting a naturalistic countenance of recessed eyes beneath arched brows, a pointed nose, and closed lips held in a gentle smile. This classical visage is framed by a thick coiffure with cascading locks as a collar of knotted snake's tails surrounds the gorgon's neck. The remainder of the roundel presents a relief of radiating scales or plumes. Traces of original white and aqua blue pigmentation additionally adorn this remarkable piece and a pair of perforations are featured at the top of the head, allowing the roundel to be suspended. Size: 8" Diameter (20.3 cm); 11.5" H (29.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Hellenistic figural busts like this example are inspired by the many regal portraits of Alexander the Great, though such meticulous stylization could be applied to both male and female subjects. Terracotta roundels, like this example, served as oscilla - votive offerings designed to sway in the wind - and were in widespread production in southern Italy during the Hellenistic period.

Medusa was the most famous of the three gorgons, human women with venomous snakes for hair. The concept of the gorgon, a frightening, beast-like, female creature, is at least as old as Homer and continued to be used as a monstrous symbol throughout the Roman period, especially popular as decoration on pottery. Among the gorgons, Medusa was noted for having the ability to turn her onlookers to stone. Here she is depicted as more beautiful than usual, with large, striking eyes that stare straight forward as you gaze upon her and her murderous locks. The placement of her head on a shield-like roundel as seen in this example is likely an allusion to the tale of Perseus; the classical hero who slayed Medusa by using his shield to view her reflection and thus avoid being petrified.

Published in "Our Collective Past: A Selection of Objects from Antiquity." Fortuna Fine Arts, Ltd., New York, 2006, fig. 8.

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full printed and bound report is available for $50 to the buyer. Please contact us to request.

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010; ex-private United States collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#142433
Condition Report: Repaired from several pieces with restoration and resurfacing. Expected nicks, abrasions, and softening of detail, commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with liberal remains of pigment and nice earthen encrustations to areas. Collection label on verso. TL hole to right side of verso.