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Source Description
Besides the common loop earrings with lion heads, Greek artisans developed a large variety of earrings. Simple versions combine a disc with a pyramidal or vase-shaped pendants; more elaborate earrings feature figural pendants with animals, hybrid creatures such as sphinxes and sirens, or Eros figurines, the latter being a very popular motif. This charming pair of earrings consists of bovine heads protruding from biconical beads hanging from simple loops. The animal heads are made in repoussé with engraved and chased details, while the bead is decorated with fine granulation. Bulls were symbols of fertility and power sacred to Zeus, while cows were sacred to Hera, the wife of Zeus and patron of marriage.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
77443
label
Pair of Earrings with Cow Heads
core
obj
dtoType
object
citationUrl
https://purl.thewalters.org/art/VO.69 (57.589, 57.590)
pageCount
2
Source metadata
id
77443
sourceUrl
https://purl.thewalters.org/art/VO.69 (57.589, 57.590)
contentType
object
stage
normalized
title
Pair of Earrings with Cow Heads
description
Besides the common loop earrings with lion heads, Greek artisans developed a large variety of earrings. Simple versions combine a disc with a pyramidal or vase-shaped pendants; more elaborate earrings feature figural pendants with animals, hybrid creatures such as sphinxes and sirens, or Eros figurines, the latter being a very popular motif. This charming pair of earrings consists of bovine heads protruding from biconical beads hanging from simple loops. The animal heads are made in repoussé with engraved and chased details, while the bead is decorated with fine granulation. Bulls were symbols of fertility and power sacred to Zeus, while cows were sacred to Hera, the wife of Zeus and patron of marriage.
provenance
Henry Walters, Baltimore [date of acquisition unknown], by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.
date
5th century BCE (Late Archaic-Classical)
citationUrl
https://purl.thewalters.org/art/VO.69 (57.589, 57.590)
rightsUri
CC0
language
en
genreSpecific
earrings (jewelry)
pendants
imageCount
2
pageCount
2
source
import
dimensionsRaw
1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm) (diam.)
Source extras
cul
Greek
med
gold
creator_ids
6256
collection_ids
GRC
JWL
exhibition_ids
none
Page inventory
seq
1
type
photo
mediaId
1aeda43a51e5ee61
hasOcr
no
hasDescription
no
seq
2
type
photo
mediaId
c0b5a9cfa97a2df6
hasOcr
no
hasDescription
no