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Earring with head of Dionysos

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Image Not Available for Earring with head of Dionysos
Earring with head of Dionysos
Image Not Available for Earring with head of Dionysos

Earring with head of Dionysos

Place of OriginHellenistic
Date2nd-1st century B.C.E.
DimensionsL. 1 1/16 in. (2.6 cm) - Dealer Dimensions
MediumGold; repoussé, filigree, granulation
ClassificationJewelry
Credit LinePurchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey, by exchange
Object number
2008.165A
On View
Toledo Museum of Art (2445 Monroe Street), Gallery, 02, Classic
Collections
  • Decorative Arts
Published ReferencesAntiquarium, Ltd., Ancient Treasures V (New York, 2007), p. 29, repr. (col.) p. 29.Label TextThe Hellenistic world had a craving for gold jewelry and the elite commissioned vast amounts of it for personal adornment, temple offerings, and funerary gifts. Craftsmen perfected the art by using various techniques such as repousse (molded from the back), filigree (twisted threads of precious metal), and granulation (“grains” or small balls of gold attached to a surface). The two hollow heads were shaped in the same die mold. A ribbon across his forehead differentiates the god Dionysos from his bride Ariadne.

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