Graeco-Roman Green Jasper Gemstone with Medusa

1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.

3/4 in. (1.34 grams, 20.82 mm).

An exceptional intaglio engraved with head of Medusa in three-quarter view, depicted with a sorrowful expression, full lips and large eyes gazing up; voluminous hair composed of entangled snakes framing her face, large wings to the brow flanking a pair of rearing serpents, a knot of serpents below her chin.

Provenance

Acquired in Switzerland 1970-1980.
From a London, UK, collection.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12034-214098.

Literature

Cf. Pirzio Biroli Stefanelli, L., L'Oro dei Romani, gioielli di eta' Imperiale, Roma, 1992, fig.14, for an identical head of Medusa on a cameo of Augustan Age.

Footnotes

In ancient mythology, Medusa was one of three monstrous winged female creatures who had venomous snakes living in her hair. In classical antiquity, representations of the head of Medusa appeared in the apotropaic device known as the Gorgoneion, designed to ward-off evil and bad luck.

CONDITION

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LOT 0104