ClassificationsGreek and Roman Art

Cameo with Head of Medusa

AAT Object Form/Functionheads (representations)

AAT Object Form/Functiongems (worked stones)

AAT Object Techniquecameos (sculptures)

Possible OriginTurkey, Asia

CultureRoman

PeriodImperial

Date1st Century CE

MediumMicrocrystalline Chalcedony onyx

Credit LineGift of the Estate of Michael J. Shubin

Dimensions3/8 x 3/8 x 1/8 in. (1 x 1 x 0.3 cm)

Object number2008.031.052

Label TextFacing head of Medusa with bulging eyes and extended tongue. Her wavy hair is centrally-parted and tucked behind the ears. Two snakes emerge at the crown of the head and two are tied beneath her chin.
Exhibition HistoryMonsters, Demons & Winged Beasts: Composite Creatures in the Ancient World, Michael C. Carlos Museum, February 5 - June 19, 2011
Exuberance of Meaning: The Art Patronage of Catherine the Great (1762-1796), Georgia Museum of Art, Athens, Georgia, September 21, 2013 - January 5, 2014
Passion of the Empress: Catherine the Great's Art Patronage, Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, Washington, DC, February 15, 2014 - June 8, 2014
Published ReferencesFred L. Gray, "Engraved Gems: A Historical Perspective," Gems & Gemology (Winter 1983): 196, figure 7.
Asen Kirin, Exuberance of Meaning: The Art Patronage of Catherine the Great (1762-1796) (Georgia: Georgia Museum of Art, 2013), 190, number 47.

ProvenanceEx coll. Joel Malter (1931-2006), Los Angeles, California, from 1970. Ex coll. Michael Shubin (1950-2008), Montebello, California, acquired from Malter.

Status

Not on view

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