Lot 170A
Roman Gold Pendant - Repousse Medusa Gorgoneion
Roman Gold Pendant - Repousse Medusa Gorgoneion
Current Bid: $600
(1 Bid)
Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A radiant talisman of Roman ingenuity and mythic power, this ancient gold pendant features the repousse head of Medusa, known as a gorgoneion. Struck from 94.8% pure gold (22.8 karats), the face appears full and rounded, framed by thick curling locks and flanked by a pair of outstretched wings. Her expression is enigmatic but alert, her features modeled with delicate fullness and precise symmetry. Encircling the pendant is a finely twisted wire border, a flourish of technical skill that adds a subtle frame to this protective image. The gorgoneion was a common apotropaic symbol in Roman art, found on armor, temple friezes, and personal adornments. Stripped of her monstrous body, Medusa's severed head retained its power to turn harm away - a supernatural shield rendered here in luminous gold. Size: 1" L x 0.7" W (2.5 cm x 1.8 cm); gold quality: 94.8% (about 22.8 karats); weight: 1.3 grams
Suspended from a loop at the top, this pendant once hung close to the heart, embodying both beauty and dread. Its refined repousse work and mythic iconography speak to the lasting role of classical imagery in Roman personal adornment and spiritual protection.
Provenance: private Dayton, Maryland, USA collection
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Item #
195836
- Condition: Good. Some light bending and two miniscule fissures to gold leaf on left side, but, otherwise, intact with liberal remaining detail. Wearable though wear is not recommended due to fragility of suspension loop.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |