Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Pair of Earrings with Cow Heads
Besides the common loop earrings with lion heads, Greek artisans developed a large variety of earrings. Simple versions combine a disc with a pyramidal or vase-shaped pendants; more elaborate earrings feature figural pendants with animals, hybrid creatures such as sphinxes and sirens, or Eros figurines, the latter being a very popular motif. This charming pair of earrings consists of bovine heads protruding from biconical beads hanging from simple loops. The animal heads are made in repoussé with engraved and chased details, while the bead is decorated with fine granulation. Bulls were symbols of fertility and power sacred to Zeus, while cows were sacred to Hera, the wife of Zeus and patron of marriage.
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.
Henry Walters, Baltimore [date of acquisition unknown], by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.
Geographies
Greece (Place of Origin)
Measurements
1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm) (diam.)
Credit Line
Acquired by Henry Walters
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.69 (57.589, 57.590)