A large early medieval agate intaglio. Medusa mask.

12th-13th century

24 x 26 x 5 mm

The thick stone is engraved with a Medusa mask characterized by a rounded face with plain chicks, full lips, and a straight little nose. The eyes are framed by heavy lids and the pupils are marked by a globular element. The forehead is surmonted by some curly short locks and snakes surrounding the face until the chin. This unusual stone is characterized by certain stylistic, iconographic and executive details that place it in the glyptic production referable to the court of Frederick II Hohenstaufen. The cameo production is better known, while the intaglio production is still little known and rare. The frontal face of this Medusa certainly emulates the classical models of the Greek-Roman Era, but reveals its evolution through the models of late antiquity with new stylistic features belonging to the early medieval age. The shape, the choice of this variety of agate (slight burnt on the back side) and the type of polishing seem to confirm this dating and the geographical area of its production (southern italian ateliers). The choice of a mythological subject inspired by classical antiquity is in line with the Federician cultural project, always maintaining its apotropaic meaning. The stone was mounted probably in a pendant.

Parallels for the glyptics production of the Federican Court: Aa.Vv. La Glittica Santarelli ai Musei Capitolini, pp. 215 ss with references to Antonio Giuliano researches.

European private collection 80's