Gold earring with head of a goat
Unknown Artist
4th–3rd century BCE
Medium
Gold
Dimensions
Other: 9/16 x 1/8 x 9/16 in. (1.5 x 0.3 x 1.5 cm)
Classification
Gold and Silver
Culture & Period
Greek · Classical or Hellenistic
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
Accession Number
74.51.3462
Rights
Public Domain
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite gold earring, shaped as the head of a goat, was created by an unknown Greek artist during the 4th–3rd century BCE, a time bridging the Classical and Hellenistic periods. Measuring just over half an inch, the piece exemplifies the refined metalwork of ancient Greek artisans, who frequently incorporated animal motifs into personal adornments. Such jewelry often served both decorative and symbolic purposes, reflecting the wearer’s connection to nature, fertility, or pastoral life in Greek society. Crafted entirely from gold, a material prized for its luster and durability, the ear...