Double Head-shaped Flask: Two Similar Idealized Faces, perhaps Medusas
Double Head-shaped Flask: Two Similar Idealized Faces, perhaps Medusas
Place of OriginAncient Rome, Eastern Mediterranean, Syria or Palestine
DateProbably early third century
DimensionsH: 2 3/4 in. (7.0 cm); Body Diam: 1 29/32 in. (4.9 cm); Base Diam: 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm)
MediumGlass; mold blown, tooled.
ClassificationGlass
Credit LineGift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number
1923.523
Not on View
DescriptionTransparent moderate greenish yellow (10 Y 7/4).
Medium thin glass. Fabric cannot be determined because of weathering.
Preserved portion of neck and body blown into a two-part mold of two vertical sections, probably open at the base (MCT IX). Mold seams concealed in hair at junction of heads. No mold seam on underside of base. Relief crisp. No pontil mark.
Tubular neck. Body in the shape of a double head. Flat diamond-shaped base with rounded corners.
Body in the shape of two heads back to back with similar features: prominent arched browline, almond-shaped eyes with recessed pupils, narrow nose with flaring nostrils, small mouth with straight lips slightly parted, and fat cheeks. Face A is slightly crooked at jaw level; the mouth of face B is indented more deeply. Both faces have a collar-shaped band below the chin. The hair around both faces is rendered as distinct, evenly spaced knobs arranged in three regular tiers framing the faces to below chin level.
Published ReferencesStern, E. Marianne, Roman Mold-blown Glass: The First through Sixth Centuries, Rome, "L'Erma" di Bretschneider, 1995, p. 235, no. 152.
Arts, P.L.W., "A Collection of Ancient Glass 500 BC - 500 AD," ANTIEK Lochem, 2000, p. 112.
Probably late third or fourth century
Third century
Perhaps late first or second century
Third century
Probably early third century
Probably late second century
Probably early third century
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