Earring, delta-shaped with beads
Unknown Artist
1st century CE
Medium
Gold, glass
Dimensions
Other: 5/8 × 1/4 × 1 1/16 in. (1.6 × 0.6 × 2.7 cm)
Classification
Gold and Silver
Culture & Period
Roman · Early Imperial
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
Accession Number
74.51.3939
Art Historical Context
This delicate delta-shaped earring from the 1st century exemplifies the exquisite jewelry craftsmanship of the Early Imperial Roman period. Fashioned from gleaming gold adorned with colorful glass beads, it measures 5/8 × 1/4 × 1/16 inches, perfect for everyday elegance or special occasions. The triangular "delta" form, evoking the Nile Delta or protective motifs, highlights Roman artisans' skill in combining precious metals with imported glass for vibrant accents, showcasing advanced techniques like wirework and bead-setting. In Roman culture, such earrings were more than ornaments—they sig...