Works of Art
Hellenistic Gold Strap Necklace
Period: Circa 330 - 300 B.C.
Culture: Hellenistic, Greek World
Category: Array
Dimensions: Length: 39.7 cm
Price: SOLD
Provenance: Ex-European private collection, acquired ca 1940.
Condition: Outstanding state of preservation. Intact, in pristine condition, with virtually no wear or tear, and clean original surface.
Description
This extraordinary necklace is composed of two loop-in-loop chains, interspaced at every two intervals by hollow spheres that alternate with granulated ones, which are each framed by joined disc shaped beads. They are each formed from two rings of spiral twisted wire divided by a sheet strip ornate with granulation. To 34 of the disk beads, there is a loop to which a small circular shield is attached, and from where hangs a large amphorae-shaped pendant. Each of the amphorae is decorated with intricate granulation work along the voluted handles and body. The terminals of the necklace are of the box type structure, ornate with a frog and geometric patterns of granulation framed with filigree wire and granulation, and ending with a drop-shaped dome and projecting loop. The presence of the frogs connects this necklace to the cult of Aphrodite, as frogs were commonly seen in the ancient world as symbols of fertility and rebirth, owing no doubt to their amphibious metamorphosis when they emerged from the water onto land each spring, mirroring Aphrodite's birth from the sea.
The strap necklace was developed in Greece from earlier types. During the 2nd half of the 4th century B.C. Its popularity prevailed for the next two centuries. The varying types include suspended pendants in the shape of seeds, beechnuts, etc. This variety does not only pertain to the pendants, but equally to to the actual chains from which they are suspended.
For an inventory list describing the treasure in the temple of Artemis on the Island of Delos, with such a necklace strung with amphorare pendants, see: Hoffman and Davidson, " Greek Gold, Jewelry from the Time of Alexander", p.5).
Bibliography
Exhibited:
- Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Summer 2005.
Parallels:
- SIVERIO R., Jewelry and Amber of Italy, A Collection in the National Museum of Naples, New York, 1959, pl. 100-101.
- HOFFMANN H. - DAVIDSON P.F., Greek Gold, Jewelry from the Age of Alexander, Boston, 1966, p. 117ss, n. 37; p. 274, n. 137.
- MARSHALL F.H., Catalogue of the Jewellery, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman in the Dep. Of Antiquities, British Museum, London, 1911, pl. 34-36.
- WILLIAMS D.- OGDEN J., Greek Gold, Jewellery of the Classical World, London, 1994, p.112, n. 64.