Gold flower

Unknown

ca. 2300–2100 BCE · Gold · Greek and Roman Art

Hairpin in the shape of a flower. Minoan goldsmiths used sophisticated techniques to create elaborate jewelry, headdresses, and ornaments for hair and clothing, often in the form of naturalistic motifs such as plants, flowers, and marine life. The objects in the collection represent different gold-working methods. Many of the ornaments were cut from gold hammered into thin sheets, some decorated with patterns raised in relief from the back. Gold was also melted and poured into molds. Imported primarily from Egypt, gold was extremely rare. Only the very wealthy could afford such adornments.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 2300–2100 BCE

Medium

Gold

Culture

Minoan

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Bequest of Richard B. Seager, 1926