Roman Hercules’ Club Gold Pendant

$499.17

A very fine Ancient Roman Hercules Club pendant hollow-modelled in high karat gold. The pendant is cone shaped, with a flat base. The sides are decorated with small clusters of gold granules. The pendant features a suspension loop to the top, inserted in larger hoop which allows us to believe that the piece was originally meant to be an earring.

Date: Circa 2nd-3rd century AD
Provenance: From an Essex collection of a collector, bought from an early 1990’s collection
Condition: Fine condition, some encrustation to the surface, suitable for modern wear with care. Consult a professional jeweller for any alterations.

SOLD

SKU: CS-73 Category: Tag:

As in many ancient societies, jewellery was an important social marker used to demonstrate wealth. Following the spread of the Roman Empire, Roman jewellery became more and more elaborate in the designs and in the materials used, such as precious and semi-precious gemstones. Roman mythology was used as a repertoire of subjects to enrich and adorn necklaces, pins, rings and earrings. This fine pendant is modelled in the shape of the club of Hercules. Together with the lion skin, the club was the main attribute of the Greco-Roman hero, meaning strength and success against the odds.

Weight 0.93 g
Dimensions L 2.4 x W 0.5 cm
Culture

Metal

Region

Roman Mythology

Reference: For a similar item, The British Museum, item 1867,0508.454.