Medusa the Gorgon (Running Gorgon) Intaglio 5th century BC Chalcedony, gold This intaglio was found during excavation of the Yuz-Oba (Hundred Hills) Barrow, Kerch. It is executed on a piece of semi-transparent chalcedony, which was of particular value in the Classical era. Such miniature gems were used as ornaments, seals and amulets simultaneously. The representation of the snake-haired Medusa was probably intended as protection against evil forces. Greek gem carving reached its height in the 5th century BC, as did Greek art overall. Typical of art of this time are the free modelling and rendering of the texture of the transparent fabric. The contour of the figure, the characteristic shape of the wings with their turned-up ends, and the patterned lower border of the tunic correspond to the oval shape of the seal. This intaglio is close in style to archaic art, but the body with its transparent tunic is executed in Classical manner.