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Gold armband with Herakles knot

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Gold armband with Herakles knot

Period:
Hellenistic
Date:
3rd–2nd century B.C.
Culture:
Greek
Medium:
Gold inlaid with garnets, emeralds, and enamel
Dimensions:
width 3 1/2in. (8.9cm)
Classification:
Gold and Silver
Credit Line:
Purchase, Mr. and Mrs. Christos G. Bastis Gift, 1999
Accession Number:
1999.209

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 163

  • Description

    The Herakles knot on this sumptuous armband is enriched with floral decoration and inlaid with garnets, emeralds, and enamel. According to the Roman writer Pliny, the decorative device of the Herakles knot could cure wounds, and its popularity in Hellenistic jewelry suggests that it was thought to have the power to avert evil.

  • References

    Münzen und Medaillen AG Basel. Kunstwerke der Antike Auktion 70, 14. November 1986, p. 53, no. 178, pl. 29.

    Exhibition of Ancient Near-East, Mediterranean Art and Archaeology, Gallery Mikazuki. Tokyo 1996, no. 12.

    Picón, Carlos A. 2000. "Recent Acquisitions, A Selection: 1999-2000." The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin 58(2): pp. 10-11.

    Picón, Carlos A. et al. 2007. Art of the Classical World in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, no. 227, pp. 192, 450.

    Picón, Carlos A. 2009. “Glass and Gold of the Hellenistic and Early Roman World.” In Philippe de Montebello and the Metropolitan Museum of Art 1977-2008, eds. James R. Houghton et al. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, p. 21, fig. 32.

    Mertens, Joan R. 2010. How to Read Greek Vases. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, p. 150, fig. 52.

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    Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
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