Cameo glass medallion
Cameo glass medallion
Place of OriginRoman Empire
Date1st century BCE - 1st century CE
DimensionsDiam: 2 1/8 in. (5.3 cm)
MediumMonochrome glass; mold-pressed and cut.
ClassificationGlass
Credit LineGift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number
1923.1514
Not on View
DescriptionThis round, convex medallion is made of opaque pale blue glass and was produced using mold-pressing and deep cutting techniques. The design features a theater mask that fills the entire surface. The broad face is carved in high detail, with large eyes, incised pupils and eyelids, a furrowed brow, and an open mouth—all contributing to a dramatic, worried expression. The hair is deeply striated and styled in thick, leonine locks, encircled by a fillet at the hairline and a wreath of grape leaves and grape clusters across the temples. Ribbon-like elements trail back from either side. Holes drilled above and below the mask suggest the medallion may have been mounted or suspended.
1st century - 4th century CE
1st century BCE - 4th century CE
Roman or 19th century?
1st century BCE - 4th century CE
1st century BCE - 4th century CE
Probably 1st-2nd century CE
about 200 CE
1st century BCE - 1st century CE
1st century BCE
Possibly 1st century BCE
Late Roman or early Arabic, 4th-7th century
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