Dress ornament decorated with a palmette
Unknown Artist
5th–4th century BCE
Medium
Gold
Dimensions
11/16 x 1/2 in. (1.7 x 1.3 cm)
Classification
Gold and Silver
Culture & Period
Greek · Classical
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Kellen, 1999
Accession Number
1999.289.4
Art Historical Context
This delicate gold dress ornament, dating to the Classical Greek period (5th–4th century BCE exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient jewelry. Measuring just 1116 x 1/2 (1.7 x1.3 cm), it a palmette motif—a stylized palm frond that was a hallmark of Greek decorative art Likely used to adorn garments or as a fibula attachment, such tiny treasures were worn by elite women and men, adding sparkle and elegance to everyday attireIn the vibrant world of Classical Greece, jewelry like this symbolized wealth and status, often produced in workshops across the Aegean. The palmette design, with ...