Earring or spiral
Unknown Artist
Medium
Gold
Dimensions
Diameter: 7/16 x 1/16 in. (1.1 x 0.1 cm)
Classification
Gold and Silver
Culture
Cypriot
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
Accession Number
74.51.3114
Art Historical Context
This delicate gold earring—or possibly a spiral ornament—from ancient Cyprus showcases the exquisite metalworking skills of Cypriot artisans. Measuring just 7/16 x 1/16 inches (1.1 x 0.1 cm), its slender, coiled form exemplifies the precision required to craft such fine jewelry from precious gold, a material prized for its rarity, durability, and luster. Part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Greek and Roman Art department, belongs to the renowned Cesnola Collection, acquired through public subscription between 1874 and 1876 by explorer Luigi Palma di Cesnola, who unearthed thousands of Cypr...