Double-Sided Cameo Glass Fragment with Maenad and Satyr Heads

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Double-Sided Cameo Glass Fragment with Maenad and Satyr Heads

Place of OriginLikely Rome

Date1st century CE

DimensionsL: 1 1/2 in. (3.7 cm); W: 7/8 in. (2.2 cm)

MediumCameo glass.

ClassificationGlass

Credit LineGift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

1923.1566

Not on View

DescriptionThis small, double-sided fragment from a Roman cameo vessel measures 3.7 x 2.2 cm and shows a scene with the surviving heads of a young woman and a satyr. It is carved in shallow relief (approx. 0.11 cm) with extraordinary delicacy. The female figure—likely a maenad—has an idealized, serene face and long, wavy hair tied in two fillets and knotted at the back. The satyr is highly expressive, shown with a beard, pointed ear, mussed hair, and wrinkled, hairy features. The carving is entirely hand-cut; no wheel-cutting is evident. Thin, linear incisions give definition to the hair and facial details, especially in the maenad’s hair, where the finesse of linework and naturalistic volume create a strong sense of plasticity. Background polishing marks are especially visible around the heads. Small cavities and surface abrasion are present throughout. A bird appears on the other side. Has been likened to similar motifs on cameo amphorae from Pompeii.

Label TextThis Roman cameo glass fragment depicts two expressive heads in low relief: a serene young woman with a detailed coiffure and a gnarled, wrinkled satyr with pointed ears and tousled hair. Cut entirely by hand, the lines are extremely fine, especially in the maenad's flowing hair. A small bird is also present, similar to imagery seen on cameo amphorae from Pompeii. The figures likely reference the mythological world of Dionysos. Created during the Augustan period, this blue and white fragment reflects the exceptional craftsmanship and elite status of cameo glass objects in early Imperial Rome.