Lot 35A
Roman, Judea, ca. 1st to 2nd century CE. Artemis has handled over 2 dozen phalerae, including a lovely example of Medusa in early 2025. This is far and away the finest we have handled and one of the absolute finest I have ever seen - major museums included! A wonderful cast bronze applique or phalera - decoration usually placed on the straps of a military uniform to show valor in battle. In this case, due to its size this would have been placed in the center of a breastplate and could only have been worn by a senior officer. Head of Medusa in very high relief with piercing silver eyes just below a pair of snakes acting as eyebrows and meeting face-to-face. Her flowing hair frames the face, wings to the crown, and the tail of the snakes forming her brows tied below the chin. The parted lips frozen mid-cry are highlighted in added silver. Size: 4.75" W (12.1 cm); 8.75" H (22.2 cm) on included custom stand.
In battle, the Gorgons head served to terrify enemies; in triumph, it proclaimed divine favor. The surviving detail and patina bear witness to both exceptional craftsmanship and the gravitas of the individual it once honored. Resting in bronze, the Gorgons unblinking gaze continues to command respect across millennia.
Several Roman generals served in Judea during this period. They include Vespasian, sent by Nero to quell the first Jewish revolt; Titus, Vespasian's son; Cestius Gallus, governor of Syria defeated by the jews; and Lucius Flavius Silva, responsible for the siege and capture of Masada in 73 CE.
This medallion has been tested using XRF technology and is consistent in makeup to bronzes from this period.
Provenance: private Boca Raton, Florida, USA collection acquired from Baidun Gallery, Jerusalem, Israel.
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#194888
- Condition: Intact and excellent. Slight bend at 1:30 (of a 12 hour clock), superb deep green patina! Custom display and attached brass plaque.
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