Advanced Search 
Vine-trellis diadem
Greek
Hellenistic Period
late 4th–early 3rd century B.C.
Findspot: Greece, Euboia, Eretria, Tomb of the Erotes
Medium/Technique
Gold with glass paste and carnelian
Dimensions
2.5 x 18.5 cm (1 x 7 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
Henry Lillie Pierce Fund
Accession Number98.798
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Diadems
DescriptionThe surviving piece is less than half the headband (diadem), broken away at the front where it probably had some central ornament, and preserving the terminal section at the back. The diadem is composed of lyre-shaped elements, made from gold tubing and joined to an outer frame. The border, of spool wire reinforced by a strip of folded sheet gold, is punctuated at its corners by tiny disc-cups once containing glass inlays. The terminal section originally had a sheet gold backing. To the trellis of lyre-shaped supports is wired a profusion of fragile and richly varied gold vegetation: many-tiered blossoms, tendrils, acanthus leaves, a burstiing pomegranate, single and double honeysuckle palmettes. Petals are outlined in filigree, centers made of coiled spiral-spool wire or inlaid with carnelian or now-opalescent glass (two of the glass elements have been replaced in modern times). The large, double honeysuckle palmettes are spaced along the center of the band and are all oriented the same way, toward the front.
(Description from The Search For Alexander, cat. 92)
Objects in the MFA from the Tomb of the Erotes at Eretria on the island of Euboia in Greece (like this diadem) include 97.290-97.345, 98.790-98.794, 98.798, 98.893, 99.438, and 21.1213.
(Description from The Search For Alexander, cat. 92)
Objects in the MFA from the Tomb of the Erotes at Eretria on the island of Euboia in Greece (like this diadem) include 97.290-97.345, 98.790-98.794, 98.798, 98.893, 99.438, and 21.1213.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: with Edward Perry Warren (according to Warren's records: From Erotes tomb [at Eretria].); 1898: purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren for $ 69,618.13 (this figure is the total price for MFA 98.641-98.940)