1991.75.84.a-b, Pair of ear pendants with Eros figures, Greece, 2nd-1st century B.C.E.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Human figures had been used continuously by Greek goldsmiths as a decorative motif since the 7th century BCE. These ear pendants with standing Erotes represent the latest stage of this development. Although they are still charming, it is obvious that the freshness and the lively movement of earlier pieces have been replaced by an ornamental pose.

The rosette and the standing figure of an Eros, rendered in repoussé, are the ornaments of these earrings. The petals of the rosette are edged with twisted wire; a large cabochon garnet is set in the center, held by a serrated setting. An ear wire is attached to the back. The Eros figure is made in two parts, a flat back and a relief front. The large curved wings are made separately; the feathers are indicated by ribbing. A rectangular strip of sheet gold, set behind the back of the rosette, joins the tops of both wings, allowing the rather fragile construction to stay in place. The figure's feet and legs are parallel, and the arms are bent, with the hands resting on the hips. Three granules indicate the genitals. A bandolier made of herringbone wire is draped over the body, and a circular disk- missing on one piece- is placed in the center of the chest.

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), 64, 135.

NOTES

updated provenance and geo x refs
added publication as a text entry in TMS

Catalogue essays

Ancient Gold Jewelry: The Spread of Imagery

Greek Jewelry

Artist/designers

Cultures

Geography

Process/materials

Plain and Decorative Wire

Historical periods

Individuals

Subject terms

RELATED OBJECTS

PROVENANCE

Until 1991: probably Collection of Dr. Athos Moretti, Switzerland (presented by Robert Haber, New York) [1]

From 1991: Dallas Museum of Art, The Eugene and Margaret McDermott Art Fund, Inc.

[1] based on existing provenance entry in TMS

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TEACHING IDEAS

RULES

Apply to objects where number equals 1991.75.84.a-b

General Description

Human figures had been used continuously by Greek goldsmiths as a decorative motif since the 7th century BCE. These ear pendants with standing Erotes represent the latest stage of this development. Although they are still charming, it is obvious that the freshness and the lively movement of earlier pieces have been replaced by an ornamental pose.

The rosette and the standing figure of an Eros, rendered in repoussé, are the ornaments of these earrings. The petals of the rosette are edged with twisted wire; a large cabochon garnet is set in the center, held by a serrated setting. An ear wire is attached to the back. The Eros figure is made in two parts, a flat back and a relief front. The large curved wings are made separately; the feathers are indicated by ribbing. A rectangular strip of sheet gold, set behind the back of the rosette, joins the tops of both wings, allowing the rather fragile construction to stay in place. The figure's feet and legs are parallel, and the arms are bent, with the hands resting on the hips. Three granules indicate the genitals. A bandolier made of herringbone wire is draped over the body, and a circular disk- missing on one piece- is placed in the center of the chest.

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), 64, 135.

Fun Facts

Archival Resources

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Notes