Earring with pendant
Unknown Artist
Medium
Gold
Dimensions
Other: 5/16 x 7/16 x 13/16 in. (0.8 x 1.1 x 2 cm)
Classification
Gold and Silver
Culture
Roman
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
Accession Number
74.51.3816
Art Historical Context
This delicate gold earring with pendant a exquisite example of Roman jewelry, showcases the craftsmanship of ancient artisans in creating personal adornments that signified wealth and status. Measuring just 5/16 x 7/16 x 13/16 inches, its petite scale highlights the precision required for such fine work, likely worn by women or elites in everyday or ceremonial life. Gold, a prized medium in the Gold and Silver classification, was hammered, perhaps granulated or filigreed—a hallmark of Roman metalworking that emphasized luster and intricacy. Dating to an unknown period within Roman culture, th...