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Bracelet with Central Medallion , 2nd century B.C.; Hellenistic period
Greek
Gold and glass; Diam. 3 3/8 in. (8.7 cm)
Purchase, The Concordia Foundation Gift and Marguerite and Frank A. Cosgrove Jr. Fund, 2001 (2001.230)
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Description
This gold bracelet is composed of two tubular sections hinged to an oval box bezel that is embellished with a large purple glass cameo with a white border. Gold pins secure the collars of the two semicircular hoops. The most distinctive feature of this well-preserved bracelet (or armlet) is the treatment of the outer surfaces of the hoops: They are covered with a delicate network of filigree created by placing parallel rows of wire in a zigzag pattern and dotting the points of contact with granules. This unusual type of decoration finds a close parallel in the three magnificent gold bracelets (or torques) from the so-called Karpenisi Treasure in Athens. Divided between the National Archaeological Museum (Stathatos Collection) and the Benaki Museum, this famous Thessalian hoard has traditionally been assigned to the second century B.C. In terms of typology, our piece stands as a rare Hellenistic forerunner of a popular kind of Roman bracelet featuring twisted hoops and hinged box settings decorated with gemstones, a fine example of which is owned by the Metropolitan (acc. no. 1995.539.13).
(Entry written by Carlos A. Picón)
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