Probably made in southern Italy / Cameo with Hercules / ca. 1220

Probably made in southern Italy
Cameo with Hercules
ca. 1220
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Creator Nationality: European; Southern European; Italian
Creator Dates/Places: Probably made in southern Italy
Creator Name-CRT: Probably made in southern Italy
Title: Cameo with Hercules
View: Principal view
Creation Start Date: 1210
Creation End Date: 1230
Creation Date: ca. 1220
Object Type: Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
Materials and Techniques: Sardonyx with modern gold frame
Dimensions: 1 5/8 x 1 7/16 x 5/16 in. (4.2 x 3.6 x 0.8 cm)
Description: This cameo shows Hercules, the great strongman of classical mythology, strangling the lion of Nemea, whose skin was impervious to wounds. In the Middle Ages , Hercules was regularly aligned with other figures of heroic fortitude, including Samson, Christ, and contemporary rulers. The medieval gem carver may have modeled his work on an ancient coin or cameo. This cameo was probably carved around 1220 in southern Italy in the circle of Frederick II, an ardent promoter of classical culture and imagery. In the mid 14th century, a similar cameo is described in the collection of the future king of France, Charles V.
AMICA Contributor: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Owner Location: New York, New York
ID Number: 38.150.23
Credit Line: The Milton Weil Collection, 1938
Copyright: Copyright ? 2002 The Metropolitan Museum of Art. All rights reserved.
Rights: http://www.metmuseum.org/education/er_photo_lib.asp
AMICA ID: MMA_.38.150.23
AMICA Library Year: 2002
Media Metadata Rights: Copyright (c) 2002 The Metropolitan Museum of Art. All Rights Reserved

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