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Diadem in the form of a Herakles knot
Greek
Early Hellenistic Period
320–280 B.C.
Place of Manufacture: Italy, Apulia, Taranto
Medium/Technique
Gold
Dimensions
Length x width: 7.2 x 4.2 cm (2 13/16 x 1 5/8)
Weight: 36.55 gm (0.08 lb.)
Weight: 36.55 gm (0.08 lb.)
Credit Line
Henry Lillie Pierce Fund
Accession Number99.375
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Diadems
DescriptionThe knot originally formed the centerpiece of a headband (diadem). Two intertwined loops of tubing edged with beaded wire form the Herakles knot (or square knot). Delicate floral ornaments overlie the knot; at the center is a palmette embellished with a tiny central acanthus leaf; the palmette springs from calyces of acanthus, and six tiny six-petaled rosettes on wire stems spring from it. In each of the four corners where loops cross was a flower with eight slender twisting petals. One of the flowers is now missing. Beads of granulation form the centers of all the flowers and rosettes. The tubes of the knot are cut off roughly at both ends. Ancient mounting holes pierce the tubes laterally at each end.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: with Giuseppe Nervegna at Brindisi (with 99.371, 372, 373, 374); by date unknown: with Edward Perry Warren (according to Warren's records: purchased of Signor. Giuseppe Nervegna at Brindisi who had the five from Squinzano where they were all found together); 1899: purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren for $ 32,500.00 (this is the total price for MFA 99.338-99.542)