Mycenaean Spirals Watch

Description

Ornamental spiral friezes have a long history in Mycenaean art. The “great S-spiral frieze” fresco adapted for this scarf, with alternating up-and-down spirals and fan- shaped papyrus lotus blossoms, became the favored ornate band frieze used to decorate most of the Mycenaean palaces. The original (Late Helladic III period, ca. 1400–1200 B.C.) was excavated in 1884 and comes from the great Tiryns palace in the Peloponnese. A painted copy of the frieze in the Museum’s collection, made about 1911–12 by artist Emile Gilliéron (Swiss, 1850–1924), is the source for our watch design.

18K gold overlay case. Printed plastic band. Quartz movement. Case: 1 1/4'' diam.; band: adjusts from 5 7/8'' to 7 7/8''L.

Art History

Mycenaean is the term applied to the art and culture of Greece from about 1600 to 1100 B.C. The name derives from Mycenae in the Peloponnese, the site of a great Mycenaean palace. During this period, settlements on the Greek mainland enjoyed an era of prosperity. Local workshops produced utilitarian objects as well as luxury items, such as carved gems, jewelry, vases in precious metals, and glass ornaments.