In Greek mythology, Medusa was a monster, a Gorgon, generally described as a winged human female with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Those who gazed upon her face would turn to stone.
Medusa was beheaded by the hero Perseus, who thereafter used her head, which retained its ability to turn onlookers to stone, as a weapon until he gave it to the goddess Athena to place on her shield. In classical antiquity the image of the head of Medusa appeared in the evil-averting device known as the Gorgoneion.
In modern times Medusa has become a popular emblem of strong females . A protectress from evil, an avenger and a warrior, who could turn her foes into stone at a single glance. Medusa remained a common theme in art in the nineteenth century, when her myth was retold in Thomas Bulfinch's Mythology. Edward Burne-Jones' Perseus Cycle of paintings and a drawing by Aubrey Beardsley gave way to the twentieth century works of Paul Klee, John Singer Sargent, Pablo Picasso, Pierre et Gilles, and Auguste Rodin's bronze sculpture The Gates of Hell.
This highly detailed necklace of Medusa with writhing snakes in her hair was cast from an antique brass stamping which dates from the art nouveaux period.
The gorgon measures 23mm x 23mm and is attached to an antiqued roll chain. You can choose in the dropdown menu how long you would like your chain to be. (if the length necklace you require is not listed please contact me and I will add it to the listing).
The necklace is secured with a sterling silver lobster clasp.
The necklace was oxidized and hand polished to highlight the details. The back of the medusa is stamped .925 and 'swalk'
Sizing......
23mm x 23 with a chain to complete the necklace in the length of your choice.
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Wax Seal Jewelry......
Each piece offered for sale is an imprint or cast of an antique wax seal from my personal collection. I use 100% sterling silver as this has the strength and durability needed for a piece of jewelry that is to be worn for years. All the jumps rings, clasps etc, are also sterling silver and each part is soldered, also for strength and durability. My intention is to make a piece that could become an heirloom too and for it to last generations.
Each piece is individually handmade and therefore no two pieces will be exactly the same, they will however be extremely similar. The mark of the maker has been purposely left on the casts. The signs of age, cracks and tool marks all add to the charm of the piece and are an intentional feature.
For further information about antique seals, SWALK designs or the designer please visit:
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My website: https://www.swalk.ie
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