Beads, 25
Unknown Artist
Medium
Glass
Dimensions
Width (largest bead): 5/16 in. (0.8 cm) Width (smallest bead): 1/4 in. (0.6 cm)
Classification
Glass
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
Accession Number
17.194.2353
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Greek and Roman Art department,Beads, 25* showcases a delicate collection of 25 ancient glass beads, gifted by financier J. Pierpont Morgan 1917. Ranging from a modest 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) for the smallest to 5/16 inch (0.8 cm) for the largest, these diminutive treasures highlight the everyday artistry of antiquity. Crafted from glass—a material prized for its luster and versatility—these beads likely served as components for jewelry, amulets, or trade goods in the vibrant Mediterranean world. Glassmaking flourished in the Greek and Roman eras, with te...