"La Parisienne" Fresco from Knossos Brooch

This fragment comes from a fresco that adorned the palace at Knossos (Crete) during its final phase, c. 1400 - 1300 BC. Here, the striking female figure is adorned with an elaborate hairstyle and prominent red lips that reminded excavators of a stylish woman from Paris - hence her nickname. The sacral knot at the back of her colorfully patterned clothing has suggested to some that she may be a priestess, a goddess, or even a statue of a goddess. Today, this fragment is housed in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

Brooch Details

Height: 7 cm (2.75 in)

Width: 4.5 cm (1.75 in)

Thickness: 3 mm (.1 in)

Available Metals and Prices

Brass: $75

925 Sterling Silver: $165

14 Karat Gold: $3,165