Earring
Unknown Artist
end of 6th century-middle of 7th century
Medium
Gold
Dimensions
Overall: 1 15/16 x 1 3/4 x 9/16 in., 0.3oz. (4.9 x 4.5 x 1.5 cm, 8g)
Classification
Metalwork-Gold
Culture
Langobardic
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
Accession Number
17.192.90
Art Historical Context
This exquisite gold earring, crafted by an unknown Langobardic artisan during late 6th to mid-7th century, a glimpse into the opulent world of early medieval Italy. The Lombards, a Germanic people who swept into the Italian peninsula around 568 CE after the fall of Rome, brought with them a rich tradition of metalworking. Measuring just under 2 inches across and weighing a mere 0.3 ounces, this delicate piece—likely worn by an elite woman or warrior—exemplifies the Langobards' skill in transforming precious gold into personal adornments that symbolized status and cultural identity. As a prime...