Glass medallion with the bust of a woman or goddess
Translucent deep purple, appearing opaque black.
Oval, with deep relief on upper surface, and flat, smooth back.
On a plain background, a female bust, facing front, with head turned slightly to left, wearing a diadem on her hair parted at center and with locks or veil headdress falling behind shoulders, and drapery on shoulders and across chest; narrow frame, comprising a banded scallop design, interspersed with small beads, forming eight roughened areas, each with a central six-pointed star.
Broken with part of top of frame missing, and nose of woman also missing; dulling, small patches of brilliant iridescence, and faint brownish weathering on back.
Despite its small size, this molded glass object has finely worked details, both on the central bust of a woman or goddess and on the ornate raised oval frame. It was presumably intended as a decorative appliqué for a piece of jewelry, possibly even a diadem or ritual headdress.
Oval, with deep relief on upper surface, and flat, smooth back.
On a plain background, a female bust, facing front, with head turned slightly to left, wearing a diadem on her hair parted at center and with locks or veil headdress falling behind shoulders, and drapery on shoulders and across chest; narrow frame, comprising a banded scallop design, interspersed with small beads, forming eight roughened areas, each with a central six-pointed star.
Broken with part of top of frame missing, and nose of woman also missing; dulling, small patches of brilliant iridescence, and faint brownish weathering on back.
Despite its small size, this molded glass object has finely worked details, both on the central bust of a woman or goddess and on the ornate raised oval frame. It was presumably intended as a decorative appliqué for a piece of jewelry, possibly even a diadem or ritual headdress.
Artwork Details
- Title: Glass medallion with the bust of a woman or goddess
- Period: Early Imperial
- Date: 1st century CE
- Culture: Roman, Cypriot
- Medium: Glass; cast in a mold
- Dimensions: Height: 1 5/16in. (3.4cm)
Width: 1 3/16in. (3cm) - Classification: Glass
- Credit Line: The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
- Object Number: 74.51.123
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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