The eagle is an attribute of, or sometimes a representation of, Zeus, king of the gods. The eagle’s body, wings, feet, and thunderbolts are masterfully sculpted of gold sheet and filigree; the body is completely covered with minute granules of gold. The tiny granules were made by shaving gold into a bed of charcoal dust. When heated, the shavings fused into perfect solid spheres. Miniature sculptures of birds and mythological flying creatures were popular pendants for women’s earrings. Though monumental in presence, this earring is only 1½ inches tall. Gold, repoussé, filigree, chain, granulation, about 220–130 B.C. Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey, 2007.10
