Bearded Gorgon Kneeling at The Louvre, Paris

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This majestic Gorgon figure stands out for its enormous size. The bronze statuette was part of the decoration on a trivet, a type that originated in the Near East and was later copied in Greece, designed to support a cauldron that could be moved freely. It is likely that this impressive figure was crafted in eastern Greece during the first half of the 6th century BC. This magnificent piece serves as a precursor to the Laconian style of Gorgon figures and showcases the significant influence of Ionian artists on Laconian craftsmen during the Archaic period. This extraordinary bronze figurine entered the Louvre's collection in 1883. It was reportedly discovered in the sea near the island of Rhodes, which explains its corroded appearance. The lower portion features a kneeling Gorgon with its hands resting on its thighs. Its broad, plump face is framed by thick, beaded locks of hair and a short beard, enhancing the fearsome reputation of this legendary monster. The Gorgon sticks out its tongue, revealing two small fangs in the corners of its mouth. Its large, wide-open eyes were originally adorned with white material, possibly ivory or bone, which is partially preserved on the iris of the right eye. Around its head, the monster wears a headband on which rests a lion's paw. Two sturdy rods (and likely a third, whose broken-off remains are visible) were attached to the top of this paw using a casting technique that involves inserting pre-forged rods into a wax model to secure it to its base. This securing system is completed by a curved ribbon extending from the two rods in a Y shape on the back of the paw. On one of the rods, a right-angled fragment corresponds to the tip of a prop extending behind the Gorgon's head above the headband. This intricate arrangement suggests that the kneeling figure decorated a type of Near Eastern trivet, mimicking wickerwork, which was imported to and replicated in Greece. The size of this trivet would have been exceptional, as is the motif of the lion's paw resting on the kneeling Gorgon's head. These trivets were generally used to support movable cauldrons, adorned with various sculpted motifs, particularly griffin protomai. The origins of this work have sparked intense debate, but it is now agreed that it was created in Asia Minor during the first half of the 6th century BC. Its attribution to a workshop in eastern Greece is based on similarities between its facial features and those of the Laconian-type gorgoneion, whose direct ancestors date back to the late 7th century BC in Rhodes (modeled vases) and Samos (ivory figurines). The Louvre statuette exemplifies the "Ionian" influence exerted by eastern Greek artists on Laconian workshops. The Laconian type, deriving from Asia Minor, reflects the primitive nature of the Gorgon figure. Large, bulging eyes, a flat nose, and small horns are characteristic facial features of these monsters intended to terrify observers. This type differs significantly from another that spread throughout Corinth in the second half of the 6th century, featuring a less frightening hexagonal face with small eyes and a large mouth. This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from across the globe for public access. Scan the World is an open-source, community-driven effort; if you have interesting items nearby and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how you can participate.