A HELLENISTIC GREEK GOLD GIRDLE WITH A HERAKLES KNOT, LATE 4TH-EARLY 3RD CENTURY BC A HELLENISTIC GREEK GOLD GIRDLE WITH A HERAKLES KNOT, LATE 4TH-EARLY 3RD CENTURY BC A HELLENISTIC GREEK GOLD GIRDLE WITH A HERAKLES KNOT, LATE 4TH-EARLY 3RD CENTURY BC A HELLENISTIC GREEK GOLD GIRDLE WITH A HERAKLES KNOT, LATE 4TH-EARLY 3RD CENTURY BC A HELLENISTIC GREEK GOLD GIRDLE WITH A HERAKLES KNOT, LATE 4TH-EARLY 3RD CENTURY BC

A HELLENISTIC GREEK GOLD GIRDLE WITH A HERAKLES KNOT, LATE 4TH-EARLY 3RD CENTURY BC

Reference: ART600663

An exceptional, large Hellenistic gold girdle, of a well known type and one of the finest known. The girdle consists of four flat straps made of nine interwoven chains which are then linked by three Herakles, two smaller ones flanking a very elaborate one in the centre. The ensemble is terminated by two triangular clasps which are decorated with a flower with two leaves. The two smaller knots are fashioned from two interlocking loops of thick hexagonally sectioned wires and at the centre we find a small oval garnet within a setting. At the lower part of the outer end of the knots, three pendant garnet beads are suspended by wires. The two flanking knots are made in exact mirror image. The central knot is made from two interlocking hollow tubes with striations, in the middle is a figurine of a satyr playing a lyre of the most remarkable workmanship. His hairy legs and body are rendered with amazing skill, including an ivy crown attached to his head. On both sides of the knot are two reposted bands showing four female dancers in relief. Finally a row of pointed leaf shaped projections cover the join to the strap. All in all this is one of the finest specimens known of what were probably marriage girdles, the Herakles knot being a symbol of both love and marriage.
43 cm. Weight: 93.85 cm.

PROVENANCE
From a European collection since the 1980's.