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Gift of Gilbert M. Denman, Jr.

Wreath of Oak Leaves and Acorns

Gift of Gilbert M. Denman, Jr.
Gift of Gilbert M. Denman, Jr.
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Wreath of Oak Leaves and Acorns

Purchased:Crete, Greece
Culture: Greek
Date: 4th century B.C.
Medium: Gold
Dimensions:
h.: 8 1/16 in. (20.4 cm)
w.: 9 in. (22.9 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Gilbert M. Denman, Jr.
Object number: 91.80.46
Provenance: sold at Gortyn, Crete, to Gilbert M. Denman, Jr. (1921-2004), San Antonio, 1969; Gilbert M. Denman, Jr., by gift to San Antonio Museum of Art, 1991
Label Text
Two stems joined with wire loops form the branches of this ceremonial oak wreath. The individual oak leaves and acorns, fashioned of sheet gold, are attached with wires to the tubular stems. Delicate gold wreaths of oak or olive leaves have been found in tombs at Greek sites and may have been placed on the deceased during the funeral. (J. Powers, 2021)
On view


The San Antonio Museum of Art is in the process of digitizing its permanent collection. This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect SAMA's complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of such records is ongoing.