Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. A finely carved agate cameo depicting the head of Medusa in a beautiful gold setting - oval in form with engraved zigzag border and an integral suspension loop. The Medusa cameo presents finely delineated details in relief - a beautiful face with snakes and harpy wings in her hair. Total weight: 11.1 grams Size: cameo measures .875" H (2.2 cm); 1.5" H (3.8 cm) including gold setting; 2.75" H (7 cm) on included custom stand.
How ironic that the sculptor created an agate version of this mythical Gorgon monster with writhing serpents in her wavy coiffure whose mere gaze could transform onlookers to stone! Throughout the ages, Medusa has been immortalized in countless works of art. Some of you may be familiar with the dramatic interpretations by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, Peter Paul Rubens, Benevenuto Cellini, Gianlorenzo Bernini, Rene Lalique, Antonio Canova, and the list goes on. These artists of the Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical eras were inspired by ancient renderings of Medusa like this example.
Provenance: private Connecticut, USA collection; ex-Belgian Art Market, 1985-1986; ex-New York Art Market, 1998; ex-private New York, USA collection, 1995-2014; ex-Christie's, New York "Ancient Jewelry" auction (sale 3498, December 11, 2014, lot 280)
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#146729
Condition
Only slight surface wear. Verso is not carved. Overall excellent and ready to be set on a beautiful chain.