GENERAL DESCRIPTION
From an early period in Greek history, ornamented bands made from sheet gold were worn around the head. These diadems varied from simple gold or silver bands, to pieces with stamped and applied decorations. Three pieces in the collection of the Dallas Museum of Art illustrate the development of the Greek diadem from the Archaic to the Hellenistic periods: this Archaic gold band with separately made rosettes, a Classic Greek diadem with an ornamental frieze [1991.75.54], and an elaborate, three-dimensional diadem [1991.75.75] that embodies the Hellenistic style.
This diadem is made of a long fillet of sheet gold, slightly broadened in the center. Omega-shaped wire loops are attached to the front of the rounded ends, enabling the wearer to secure its position around the head. Three rosettes, each with a double layer of heart-shaped petals, are applied to the front of the fillet and held by a gold tube. In the center of each rosette is a considerably smaller rosette with pointed petals.
Many similar diadems, made from thin sheet gold with applied or impressed adornment, have been found in Greek tombs beginning in the 6th century BCE and continuing through the Roman period (2nd century BCE). The diadems could have been worn in life at banquets, as victors' prizes in war or athletic competitions, or on religious or civic occasions, but their burial defined a different kind of triumph.
Adapted from
Barbara Deppert-Lippitz, Ancient Gold Jewelry at the Dallas Museum of Art (Dallas: Dallas Museum of Art in association with the University of Washington Press, 1996), 17; 141.
NOTES
- updated provenance and geo x refs
- entered publication as a text entry
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PROVENANCE
Until 1989: probably Collection of Dr. Athos Moretti, Switzerland [1]
1989-1991: Collection of Robert Haber, New York, New York [2]
From 1991: Dallas Museum of Art, The Eugene and Margaret McDermott Art Fund, Inc.
[1] based on existing provenance entry in TMS
[2] See printed email exchange between Andrew Oliver and Anne Bromberg, dated August 3, 2012, found in Collections Record Object file 1991.75.53
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Apply to objects where number equals 1991.75.38
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General Description
From an early period in Greek history, ornamented bands made from sheet gold were worn around the head. These diadems varied from simple gold or silver bands, to pieces with stamped and applied decorations. Three pieces in the collection of the Dallas Museum of Art illustrate the development of the Greek diadem from the Archaic to the Hellenistic periods: this Archaic gold band with separately made rosettes, a Classic Greek diadem with an ornamental frieze [1991.75.54], and an elaborate, three-dimensional diadem [1991.75.75] that embodies the Hellenistic style.
This diadem is made of a long fillet of sheet gold, slightly broadened in the center. Omega-shaped wire loops are attached to the front of the rounded ends, enabling the wearer to secure its position around the head. Three rosettes, each with a double layer of heart-shaped petals, are applied to the front of the fillet and held by a gold tube. In the center of each rosette is a considerably smaller rosette with pointed petals.
Many similar diadems, made from thin sheet gold with applied or impressed adornment, have been found in Greek tombs beginning in the 6th century BCE and continuing through the Roman period (2nd century BCE). The diadems could have been worn in life at banquets, as victors' prizes in war or athletic competitions, or on religious or civic occasions, but their burial defined a different kind of triumph.
Adapted from
Barbara Deppert-Lippitz, Ancient Gold Jewelry at the Dallas Museum of Art (Dallas: Dallas Museum of Art in association with the University of Washington Press, 1996), 17; 141.
Fun Facts
Archival Resources
Web Resources
Notes
- updated provenance and geo x refs
- entered publication as a text entry
Catalogue essays
Artist/designers
Cultures
Geography
Process/materials
Historical periods
Individuals
Subject terms
RELATED OBJECTS
PROVENANCE
Until 1989: probably Collection of Dr. Athos Moretti, Switzerland [1]
1989-1991: Collection of Robert Haber, New York, New York [2]
From 1991: Dallas Museum of Art, The Eugene and Margaret McDermott Art Fund, Inc.
[1] based on existing provenance entry in TMS
[2] See printed email exchange between Andrew Oliver and Anne Bromberg, dated August 3, 2012, found in Collections Record Object file 1991.75.53
AUDIO ASSETS
VIDEO ASSETS
rules
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Objects
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1991.75.38
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object_notes_2_a-0536.xml.nores