On view
Ancient Mediterranean Art
Breast ornament depicting a bust of Athena,
2nd century BCE
Greek
Hellenistic
y1938-49
These decorative pieces, intended to adorn, respectively, a horse’s bridle or a woman’s garment, attest to an increasing tendency in the Hellenistic period toward the opulent display of wealth and ornamentation. The two gold disks each had four pairs of loops along the edges, suggesting they were attached with gold chains and intended to be worn on the chest and back. In the center of each disk is a bust of a goddess, one with Artemis, goddess of the hunt, and the other with Athena, goddess of war and craft. The silver roundels similarly depict figures from myth: the head of Medusa, capable of turning her enemies to stone; and the messenger god Hermes, who could travel swiftly from one place to another. While these objects served decorative functions, as representations of powerful gods, who might appear at any moment, they could also serve as apotropaic devices to protect their owner.
Information
Title
Breast ornament depicting a bust of Athena
Dates
2nd century BCE
Medium
Gold, garnet, and enamel
Dimensions
diam. 7.9 cm (3 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase
Object Number
y1938-49
Place Made
Europe, Greece, Almyros, Thessaly
Culture
Period
Subject
Museum purchase in 1938
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-
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