Greek Palmette Hoop Earrings

Description

The Museum’s collection includes a bronze mirror with wood backing set in a silver-gilt frame (Late Classical or Hellenistic, 4th–3rd century B.C.). The silver-gilt openwork band that surrounds the mirror is decorated with herons and other birds among palmettes, flowers, and leaves. Our detailed earrings were developed from the decorative motifs on this rare ancient mirror frame.

Silver overlay. Lightly antiqued finish. 1'' diam. Pierced, with sterling silver posts.

Art History

The beginning of the Hellenistic period in Greece is generally dated to the death of Alexander the Great in 323 B.C. Hellenistic kingship would remain the dominant political form in the Greek East for nearly three centuries. Royal families lived in splendid palaces, and Hellenistic kings became prominent patrons of the arts. They commissioned public works of architecture and sculpture, as well as private luxury items that demonstrated their wealth and taste.