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Unknown Maker, Etruscan

Pin (fibula)

Description

Maker

Unknown Maker, Etruscan

Culture

Etruscan

Title

Pin (fibula)

Period

Orientalizing period

Year

700-600 BCE

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

gold

Geography

Archaeological Site: possibly; Archaeological Site: Vetulonia

Dimensions

Length: 9.8 cm (3 7/8 inches)

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Museum Appropriation Fund

Object Number

30.051

Type

Projects & Publications

Publications

Exhibition History

Exhibition History

Ancient Greek and Roman Galleries
Sep 22, 2010

Label copy

This pin (fibula), used for closing or securing garments, is a masterpiece of ancient gold-working. Tiny animals and figures, mythical and real, cover the pin. They were formed using tiny beads of gold (a process called granulation) fashioned in a fluid, curving style reminiscent of pottery of the 7th century BCE, when the Etruscans reached the height of their technical virtuosity in granulation. In the center of the decoration is a figure common in Etruscan art: the master of the beasts, a winged man with two faces. The figure originated in the Near East and became especially prominent in Etruscan art during this period.

Related Publications

Related Publications

LitID_3560 Think Like An_cover.jpg
  • Digital Publication

Teaching Notes / Think Like an Archaeologist

Read Online ›

Use & Feedback

Image use

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This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Unknown Maker, Etruscan
Pin (fibula), 700-600 BCE
Gold
Length: 9.8 cm (3 7/8 inches)
Museum Appropriation Fund 30.051

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