Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A wonderfully-preserved cast bronze roundel, made to be applied decoratively to an item of Roman furniture or armor, featuring a striking face of Medusa. 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. 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. Size: 3.2" W (8.1 cm); 4.25" H (10.8 cm) on included custom stand.
Exhibited in "Dressed to Kill in Love and War: Splendor in the Ancient World", February 1 - March 31, 2019, Academy Art Museum, Maryland, USA, published in the exhibition guide by Sarah E. Cox and Anke Van Wagenberg, fig. 13.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-William Froelich collection, New York, USA, collected in the 1970s; Exhibited in "Dressed to Kill in Love and War: Splendor in the Ancient World", February 1 - March 31, 2019, Academy Art Museum, Maryland, USA, published in the exhibition guide by Sarah E. Cox and Anke Van Wagenberg, fig. 13.
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#146254
Condition
Smooth, deep green patina and excellent preservation of details. Iron nail on back has encrusted patina.