One of a Pair of Gold Earrings with Garnets
Unknown Artist
second half 8th century
Medium
Gold, garnets with patterned foil backings, silver rivets
Dimensions
Overall: 1 13/16 x 11/16 x 1 3/4 in. (4.6 x 1.8 x 4.4 cm) bead: 3/4 x 11/16 in. (1.9 x 1.8 cm)
Classification
Metalwork-Gold
Culture
Frankish
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
Accession Number
17.191.2
Art Historical Context
This exquisite pair of gold earrings, one of which is showcased here, hails from the Frankish culture of the late 8th century—a pivotal era bridging the Merovingian and Carolingian dynasties in early medieval Europe. Crafted during a time when the Frankish kingdoms under rulers like Charlemagne were expanding influence, these earrings reflect the era's blend of Germanic traditions and emerging Christian artistry. Donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in1917 by J. Pierpont Morgan, they offer a rare glimpse into elite Frankish adornment, likely worn by nobility to signify wealth and status. ...