Medusa's Gaze

<p>The <em>Tazza Farnese</em> is one of the most admired objects from classical antiquity. A libation bowl carved from banded agate it features Medusa's head on its outside and inside an assembly of Egyptian gods. For more than two millennia these radiant figures have mesmerized emperors and artists popes and thieves merchants and museum goers.</p><p>In this the first book-length account of this renowned masterpiece Marina Belozerskaya traces its fascinating journey through history. That it has survived at all is a miracle. The <em>Tazza</em>'s origins date back to Ptolemaic Egypt where it likely enhanced the power and prestige of Cleopatra. After her defeat by Emperor Augustus the bowl began an amazing itinerary along many flashpoints in world history. It likely traveled from Rome to Constantinople. After that city's sack by crusaders in 1204 it returned west to inspire the classical revival at the court of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II at Palermo. The <em>Tazza</em> next graced Tamerlane's court at Samarqand before becoming an obsession of Renaissance popes and princes. It witnessed the rediscovery of Pompeii and Herculaneum the turbulent aftermath of the French Revolution and the birth of the modern Italian state. Throughout its journey the <em>Tazza</em> aroused the lust of Greek Roman Byzantine and Mongol rulers consoled a heart-broken duchess inspired artists including Botticelli and Raphael tempted spies and thieves and drew the ire of a deranged museum guard who nearly destroyed it. More than a biography of the world's most cherished bowl <em>Medusa's Gaze</em> is a vivid and delightful voyage through history.</p>