Necklace with Pendant
2nd-3rd century
Medium
Gold, garnet, and emerald
Dimensions
L. 35.6 cm (14 in.) (with clasp); pendant: h. 3.1 cm (1 1/4 in.)
Classification
pendant (jewelry)
Department
Arts of Greece, Rome, and Byzantium
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
807
Art Historical Context
This exquisite Necklace with Pendant, crafted by ancient Roman artisans in the nd-3rd century, exemplifies the empire's mastery of luxury jewelry. Fashioned from shimmering gold adorned with vibrant garnets and emeralds, the necklace measures an impressive 35.6 (14 in.) long with its clasp, while the pendant stands just 3.1 cm (1 1/4 in.) high. Such pieces were reserved for the elite, symbolizing wealth,, and divine favor in a society where personal adornment reflected social standing. Roman jewelers employed sophisticated techniques like granulation and filigree to create intricate designs, ...
About the Artist
Ancient Roman
The artists attributed to "Ancient Roman" in museum collections represent the anonymous craftsmen who produced the vast output of sculpture, frescoes, mosaics, and reliefs defining Roman visual culture from the Republic (c. 509–27 BCE) to the late Empire (c. 395 CE). Individual identities remain elusive, as Roman makers were typically viewed as skilled tradesmen—often enslaved Greeks or provincial...