GENERAL DESCRIPTION
During the Hellenistic period, gold medallions of different sizes and bearing the frontal representation of a head or bust were used as pendants and dress ornaments. This medallion consists of a circular sheet of gold encased by a strong beaded wire. It is decorated in flat relief with the frontal representation of a head of Dionysus, slightly turned to the left. The hair is parted in the center and held off the forehead by a wreath. Grapes hang on both sides of the face. Around the neck is a twisted torque that closes at the front. The relief is surrounded by a filigree pattern of a tendril with overlapping ivy leaves. The leaves might have been filled with enamel. A loop, fastened to the back of the disk at the lower edge, holds a short pendant chain. Two rectangular clamps of sheet gold are soldered to the back. The figure of Dionysus is slightly crushed, and the mouth area has been repaired.
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), 66-67; 140.
- Anne R. Bromberg and Karl Kilinski II, Gods, Men, and Heroes: Ancient Art at the Dallas Museum of Art. (Seattle: University of Washington Press, 1996), 115.
NOTES
- updated provenance and geo x refs in TMS
- added publication as a text entry in TMS
Catalogue essays
Artist/designers
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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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FUN FACTS
- Dionysus was the Greek god of wine, pleasure, and theater.
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Apply to objects where number equals 1991.75.71
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General Description
During the Hellenistic period, gold medallions of different sizes and bearing the frontal representation of a head or bust were used as pendants and dress ornaments. This medallion consists of a circular sheet of gold encased by a strong beaded wire. It is decorated in flat relief with the frontal representation of a head of Dionysus, slightly turned to the left. The hair is parted in the center and held off the forehead by a wreath. Grapes hang on both sides of the face. Around the neck is a twisted torque that closes at the front. The relief is surrounded by a filigree pattern of a tendril with overlapping ivy leaves. The leaves might have been filled with enamel. A loop, fastened to the back of the disk at the lower edge, holds a short pendant chain. Two rectangular clamps of sheet gold are soldered to the back. The figure of Dionysus is slightly crushed, and the mouth area has been repaired.
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), 66-67; 140.
- Anne R. Bromberg and Karl Kilinski II, Gods, Men, and Heroes: Ancient Art at the Dallas Museum of Art. (Seattle: University of Washington Press, 1996), 115.
Fun Facts
- Dionysus was the Greek god of wine, pleasure, and theater.
Archival Resources
Web Resources
Notes
- updated provenance and geo x refs in TMS
- added publication as a text entry in TMS
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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1991.75.71
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