Phalera - Roman Art, 1st - 3rd Century. After Christ

A Roman Bronze Phalera : Medusa
Circa 1st - 2nd Cent A.D.
Brass
Diameter: 7 Cm.
In European art for centuries, the image of the Gorgon of the Medusa, more precisely, its severed head (according to ancient myths, capable of transforming enemies into stone), has been a terrifying symbol. However, in the ancient images of the Hellenistic period, there was a completely different interpretation - neither terrifying nor terrible, but a beautiful gorgonian of a dying girl. Obviously, in developing this line, at the end of the 20th century, the image of the Gorgon of the Medusa was redesigned and one of the images of the Gorgon - the famous Medusa Rondanini became the emblem of the fashionable Versace house, symbolizing the beautiful transformation of women.
On the medallion presented here is a surprisingly elegant woman's face, going against the very purpose of the phalera - to protect, to intimidate. Such a paradoxical solution, like a gorgon, may hide its charm and mystery.
Phalera
Medusa
Medusa Rondanini

Reference: 4370
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