Description
Medusa, the beautiful gorgon with winged head and snaky hair, is modeled in relief on the convex disc, as a beautiful woman with severe face, her long hair falling in rich curls around her head, turned into curled snakes, tied below her chin. A large pair of wings coming out from the top of her head and spreading to its sides.
The Medusa face is portrayed with dramatic expression, with frowning brows, large accentuated eyes, long nose with dilated nostrils, and the full lips slightly opened to expose clenched teeth. The eyes and teeth accentuated with inlaid silver.
The figure is modeled in fine style, and the details rendered with great attention, to create a vivid expression and liveliness.
The Phalera, an armor decoration, mounted on the chest, was believed to have the power to protect its bearer from enemies and to ward off the evil. It may be found in depictions of the goddess Athena (- Minerva) and the god Mars (-Ares), of Alexander the Great, and of Roman Emperors and military officers.
Reference: Cf. Medusa phalera on goddess Athena: De Caro, S., The National Archeological Museum of Naples, 1996, p. 320. On Alexander the Great: Ibid, p. 144.
On a Roman Emperor: Kleiner, D. E. E., Roman Sculpture, Yale University Press, 1992, p. 240, fig. 203. On the god Mars: Ibid, p. 182, fig. 150.
REFERENCE #
SI_RM_1080
CIVILIZATION
Roman, 200 C.E. – 300 C.E.
SIZED. 12.5 cm
CONDITION
Excellent condition. Minor cosmetic fillings, otherwise perfect.
PRICE
SOLD
Frequently Asked Questions
The Medusa phalera features a relief of Medusa's face portrayed as a beautiful woman with a severe expression, winged head, and snaky hair tied below her chin. The eyes and teeth are accentuated with inlaid silver to enhance the dramatic expression.
The Medusa face on armor decorations such as the phalera was believed to protect the wearer from enemies and ward off evil. It symbolized power and protection and was commonly used in depictions of deities like Athena and Mars, as well as historical figures like Alexander the Great and Roman Emperors.
The Medusa phalera appears in depictions of the goddess Athena (Minerva), the god Mars (Ares), Alexander the Great, Roman Emperors, and military officers. These figures used the symbol to convey divine protection and military power.
The Medusa figure is shown with frowning brows, large accentuated eyes, a long nose with dilated nostrils, and full lips slightly opened to reveal clenched teeth. Her hair is styled in rich curls turned into snakes, and a large pair of wings extends from the top of her head.
The Roman Medusa phalera measures 12.5 cm in diameter and is in excellent condition, with only minor cosmetic fillings and otherwise perfect preservation.
The Medusa figure was modeled in fine style with great attention to detail to create vivid expression and liveliness. The eyes and teeth were accentuated using inlaid silver to highlight dramatic features.
