Pair of Earrings
These dramatic, colorful earrings were most likely made in Constantinople, perhaps as an imperial gift to a Visigothic ruler of medieval Spain, where the earrings were found. The Visigoths, a migratory group that ultimately settled in Spain, had by the 6th century established trade and diplomatic contacts with the Byzantine court, whose jewelry they much admired.
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.
[Found in Estremadura]; Henri Daguerre, Paris [date of acquisition unknown], by purchase; Henry Walters, Baltimore, October, 1930, by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.
Geographies
Turkey, Istanbul (Constantinople)
(Place of Origin)
Spain, Extremadura (Place of Discovery)
Measurements
4 7/16 x 1 3/4 x 1 in. (11.2 x 4.4 x 2.5 cm)
Credit Line
Acquired by Henry Walters, 1930
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.
VO.66 (57.560, 57.561)