GENERAL DESCRIPTION
In the ancient Mediterranean world, pearls were valued for both their uniqueness (no two are alike) and their brilliance, which was far greater than the uncut gems worn by the Romans. Owning a pearl was considered a great luxury. Earrings like these, with four pearls apiece, would have made quite a statement about the owner's wealth. Here not only pearls but also garnets are suspended in round gold pieces, each framed by an openwork pattern resembling the Egyptian protective motif called the "wedjat-eye," which had an apotropaic function. The sound of the pearls and garnets rattling against each other would also have drawn attention to the person who wore these earrings, heightening others’ awareness of her presence and status. This is an example of the true height of luxury in the Roman Empire.
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), 146.
NOTES
- updated provenance and geo x refs in TMS
- added publication as a text entry in TMS
Corrected typo submitted by web user. wedja eye = wedjat eye. (ES 1/24/2020)
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PROVENANCE
Before 1996: The Ward Gallery (after 1996 called Ward & Company), New York, NY [1]
From 1996: Dallas Museum of Art, gift of Stark and Michael Ward in honor of Virginia Nick and Anne Bromberg
[1] See Deed of Gift, Collections Records Object File 1996.35.a-b)
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Apply to objects where number equals 1996.35.A-B
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General Description
In the ancient Mediterranean world, pearls were valued for both their uniqueness (no two are alike) and their brilliance, which was far greater than the uncut gems worn by the Romans. Owning a pearl was considered a great luxury. Earrings like these, with four pearls apiece, would have made quite a statement about the owner's wealth. Here not only pearls but also garnets are suspended in round gold pieces, each framed by an openwork pattern resembling the Egyptian protective motif called the "wedjat-eye," which had an apotropaic function. The sound of the pearls and garnets rattling against each other would also have drawn attention to the person who wore these earrings, heightening others’ awareness of her presence and status. This is an example of the true height of luxury in the Roman Empire.
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), 146.
Fun Facts
Archival Resources
Web Resources
Notes
- updated provenance and geo x refs in TMS
- added publication as a text entry in TMS
Corrected typo submitted by web user. wedja eye = wedjat eye. (ES 1/24/2020)
Catalogue essays
Artist/designers
Cultures
Geography
Process/materials
Historical periods
Individuals
Subject terms
RELATED OBJECTS
PROVENANCE
Before 1996: The Ward Gallery (after 1996 called Ward & Company), New York, NY [1]
From 1996: Dallas Museum of Art, gift of Stark and Michael Ward in honor of Virginia Nick and Anne Bromberg
[1] See Deed of Gift, Collections Records Object File 1996.35.a-b)
AUDIO ASSETS
VIDEO ASSETS
rules
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1996.35.A-B
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object_notes_1_a-0022.xml.nores