Earring
400-300 BC (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
The Etruscan goldsmiths produced rich objects in striking forms that were technically very difficult to make. Greek styles and techniques were influential, but Etruscan jewellery was also characterised by original, local types. This object is an example of an Etruscan design.
The most common type of Etruscan earrings in the 4th century are the a grappolo or grape-cluster earrings. They are often shown worn by women on Etruscan terracottas and tomb paintings. These are of a simple design. Some are more elaborate, surmounted by a semi-circular, highly decorated element, sometimes with filigree and granulation.
The a baule earrings, in shape of small bags, are also designs typical of Etruscan jewellery.
The most common type of Etruscan earrings in the 4th century are the a grappolo or grape-cluster earrings. They are often shown worn by women on Etruscan terracottas and tomb paintings. These are of a simple design. Some are more elaborate, surmounted by a semi-circular, highly decorated element, sometimes with filigree and granulation.
The a baule earrings, in shape of small bags, are also designs typical of Etruscan jewellery.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
|
| Materials and techniques | Gold |
| Brief description | Pair of earrings, gold, decorated with wire spirals and applied work, northern Italy (Tuscany or Umbria), Etruscan, 5th-3rd century BC |
| Physical description | Pair of grape-cluster earrings (a grapollo), gold, decorated with pendants of bosses and beads. |
| Style | |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | The Etruscan goldsmiths produced rich objects in striking forms that were technically very difficult to make. Greek styles and techniques were influential, but Etruscan jewellery was also characterised by original, local types. This object is an example of an Etruscan design. The most common type of Etruscan earrings in the 4th century are the a grappolo or grape-cluster earrings. They are often shown worn by women on Etruscan terracottas and tomb paintings. These are of a simple design. Some are more elaborate, surmounted by a semi-circular, highly decorated element, sometimes with filigree and granulation. The a baule earrings, in shape of small bags, are also designs typical of Etruscan jewellery. |
| Associated object | |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 8732&A-1863 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | April 12, 2005 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
