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Head of a Medusa (?)

mid-16th century
Not on view
The distinctive Mannerist style of this cameo, with its shallow, flattened relief and elegantly meandering flourishes such as the snaky locks of hair, seems un-Italian, yet one hesitates to call it French because so little is known as yet about Renaissance carvers in France.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Head of a Medusa (?)
  • Date: mid-16th century
  • Culture: probably French
  • Medium: Onyx or sardonyx, mounted in silver
  • Dimensions: Overall: 1 1/8 x 15/16 in. (2.9 x 2.4 cm); visible cameo: 22.4 x 20 mm
  • Classification: Lapidary Work-Gems
  • Credit Line: The Milton Weil Collection, 1939
  • Object Number: 39.22.12
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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