Double Head-shaped Flask: Two Similar Medusas with Wavy Hair
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for Double Head-shaped Flask: Two Similar Medusas with Wavy Hair
Double Head-shaped Flask: Two Similar Medusas with Wavy Hair
Place of OriginProbably Near Eastern
DateProbably late third or fourth century
DimensionsH: 3 5/16 in. (8.4 cm); H (body): 1 13/16 in. (4.7 cm); Max Diam: 1 7/8 in. (4.7 cm);
Rim Diam: 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm); Base Diam: 1 7/16 in. (3.65 cm)
Rim Diam: 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm); Base Diam: 1 7/16 in. (3.65 cm)
MediumRim and neck free blown. Body blown into a two-part mold of two vertical sections, probably open at the base (MCT IX).
ClassificationGlass
Credit LineGift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number
1923.516
Not on View
DescriptionThis late Roman glass flask features two faces of Medusa, placed back to back. The faces have wavy hair, wide eyes, and rolls under the chin that once represented snakes. It was made in a mold with the neck and rim shaped by hand.
Published ReferencesStern, E. Marianne, Roman Mold-blown Glass: the First through Sixth Centuries, "L'Erma" di Bretschneider in Association with the Toledo Museum of Art, Rome, Italy, 1995, cat. no. 158, pp. 238-239, color plate 24, p. 62.
Third century
Third century
Probably early third century
Probably 19th or early 20th century
Probably late second century
Perhaps late first or second century
Perhaps 2nd century
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