Boat-Shaped Earring with Sphinx
This earring was discussed by Berta Segall who saw a combination of Greek, Phoenician, and Egyptian motifs that suggest a date slightly before 320 BC, and a workshop possibly in Alexandria. The fully modeled sphinx and the elaborate and different decoration of each side of the earring make this an unusual and rare ornament.
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object.
Henry Walters, New York [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Sadie Jones (Mrs. Henry Walters), New York, 1931, by inheritance; Mrs. Henry Walters Sale, New York, Parke-Bernet Galleries, December 2, 1943, lot 524; Walters Art Museum, 1943, by purchase.
Exhibitions
1988-1989 | From Alexander to Cleopatra: Greek Art of the Hellenistic Age. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. |
1979-1980 | Jewelry - Ancient to Modern. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. |
Geographies
Egypt, Alexandria (Place of Origin)
Measurements
1 3/16 x 7/8 x 9/16 in. (3 x 2.2 x 1.5 cm)
Credit Line
Museum purchase with funds provided by the S. & A.P. Fund, 1943
Location in Museum
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
57.1733A