Gold pin
Unknown Artist
5th century BCE
Medium
Gold
Dimensions
Other: 2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm)
Classification
Gold and Silver
Culture & Period
Etruscan · Classical
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase by subscription, 1895
Accession Number
95.15.281
Art Historical Context
This exquisite gold pin, crafted by an unknown Etruscan artisan in the 5th century BCE exemplifies the masterful metalworking of ancient Italy's Etruscan civilization. Measuring just 2 1/8 inches (5.4 cm), it likely served as a fibula—a functional clasp for securing garments—while doubling as a symbol of status and wealth. The Etruscans, who flourished in central Italy from the 8th to 3rd centuries BCE, were renowned for their opulent jewelry, blending indigenous traditions with Greek influences during the Classical period. Gold's rarity and luster made it a prized medium, often worked using ...