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Roman Egyptian Bronze Finial with Medusa's Head browse these categories for related items... Directory: Archives:Regional Art:Ancient World:Roman: Pre AD 1000: Item # 482794
Janus Antiquities By Appointment New Jersey (330) 612-3957 Guest Book SOLD |
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This interesting bronze fragment comes from the handle of a Roman bronze vessel, with the finial providing one of the two mounting points for the fragmentary handle. The face of Medusa is molded into the attachment point. Medusa was one of the Gorgons, monstrous feminine creatures whose appearance would turn anyone who laid eyes upon them to stone. Her best-known characteristic is her hair of living snakes, which are shown here draped and undulating on the sides of her head. While it may seem odd to voluntarily choose this image to place on objects, the Romans harnessed the ugliness of the Gorgons as a counterbalance against evil. Much like Bes in the Egyptian pantheon, the Gorgons were utilized as guardian images despite their hideous appearance because the alternatives were far worse! Accordingly, Gorgons are common fixtures on bronze vessels, soldier's shields, and many ancient coins.
AGE: Circa 3rd century AD CONDITION: Fragmentary from a larger piece, but intact and stable with no bronze disease. DIMENSIONS: About 2.5 inches in length |
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