Roman Medusa

A Roman pendant circa 2nd century AD, set with an agate cameo of the Gorgon Medusa, in a high carat gold crimped mount. In ancient art and myth Medusa was an apotropaic symbol used to protect from and ward off the negative, much like the modern evil eye. She was a dangerous threat meant to deter other dangerous threats, an image of evil to repel evil. Medusa is recognisable due to her striking frontality. It is rare in ancient art for a figure to face directly out, but in almost all representations of Medusa she stares ahead and uncompromisingly confronts the viewer. The pendant measures one inch by 3/4 of an inch and is in fine, undamaged and most wearable condition.

sold  £1950

similar Roman Medusa in the British Museum below