Glass mosaic inlay
Unknown Artist
late 1st century BCE–1st century CE
Medium
Glass
Dimensions
H.: 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm)
Classification
Glass
Culture & Period
Roman · Hellenistic
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
Accession Number
17.194.379
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite glass mosaic inlay, dating to the late 1st century BCE the 1st century, exemplifies the refined artistry of the Hellenistic period under Roman influence. Measuring just 1 3/8 inches (3.5 cm) in height, this tiny treasure features delicate palmette motifs—stylized palm leaves that evoke growth and vitality, a hallmark of classical decoration seen in architecture, pottery, and jewelry. Crafted by an unknown Roman artist, it likely served as an inlay for luxury furniture, vessels, or personal adornments, highlighting the era's blend of Greek aesthetic elegance and Roman technical p...