Medusa Gem

Carved chalcedony gem with representation of the head of Medusa in fine detail, looking slightly to the right. Snakes in the hair at the top of the head. On a modern silver brooch setting. The size of the gem and the large piercings on either side indicate that it is a phalera; that is, a sculpted disk worn as a breast ornament. Formerly in the third Duke of Marlborough's collection. Purchased in 1765 from the Bessborough Collection formed before 1739 by William, Viscount Duncannon and later second Earl of Bessborough. NELSON COLLECTION typed list: "Medusa: chalcedony cameo from the collection of the Duke of Marlborough; attributed to School of Alexandria about 300 BC. It may have been cut in the first place for Ptolemy and was probably worn on the Emperor’s breastplate as part of his insignia. On the back are scratched christian emblems; two crosses, and a third with christian monograms in the angles which suggest that it was finally worn by a christian convert, possibly Constantine the Great”.