"A tiny but exquisitely carved cameo of Medusa has been discovered in Hallstatt, Austria. It is one of only three Roman cameos in Upper Austria, and even at just 1.5 cm (.6 inches) high, the size of a fingernail, it's the largest of the three. It is also the most detailed and finely worked of them. The cameo was carved from a black and white banded agate (onyx)"
"in the 2nd century A.D., likely in Aquileia which was a major center of craftsmanship and commerce on the Adriatic. The opaque black of the onyx serves as the background, while the head and snake hair of the gorgon is carved out of the white band. It is almost translucent in the thinnest areas around the hair, a glowing white in the denser areas of the face and top of the head."
A small, finely carved Medusa cameo measuring 1.5 cm was found in Hallstatt, Austria. The onyx gem dates to the 2nd century A.D., likely originating in Aquileia. The black band forms the background while the gorgon's head and snake hair are carved from the white band, producing translucent and glowing contrasts. The gem's size suggests it was probably inset in a pendant rather than a ring or earring. Roman administration controlled the Hallstatt salt works and operated the ancient mine. Systematic excavations resumed in 2015 and continued ahead of a new funicular station. The cameo will go on display in 2026 at the Linz Castle Museum.
Read at www.thehistoryblog.com
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