Tondo with Medusa head

Terracotta
Greek, Sicily, Centuripe, 3rd – 2nd century BC
∅: 26 cm

Round disc framed by an astragal band with almost plastic winged head of Medusa. Around her neck Medusa is wearing a torque and snake tails. The head is surrounded by scales indicating that the tondo represents the aegis respectively the shield of Athena. On top of the head are two holes for attachment. The tondo was most probably hung up as an oscillum decorating a chamber tomb or a sanctuary.

Cf. L. Frey-Asche, Tonfiguren aus dem Altertum. Antike Terrakotten im Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg (Hamburg 1997) S.91-93, Nr. 61; Katalog der antiken Terrakotten im Badischen Landesmuseum Karlsruhe (1989) Taf. 161, 97. Also compare for similar examples: Münzen und Medaillen AG Basel, Kunstwerke der Antike, Auktion 34, Lot 75; G&M 210, Nr. 348

Condition: Put together from large fragments but complete. Joints invisible.

Provenance: Swiss private collection of a scholar, bought at Galeria Serodine, Ascona 1986.

Item reference: CL1195