Museum of Fine Arts, Boston: The Museum Year 2009
The Year
Acquisitions
Art of the Ancient World: July 2008–June 2009
Medallion of Pergamum with bust of Commodus, struck under P. Aelius Pius
A.D. 180–182
Diameter: 45 mm. Weight: 47.06 gm. Die Axis: 1
Bronze
Classification: Numismatics
Culture: Roman Provincial
Mint: Pergamum, Asia: Mysia
Period: Imperial Period
Accession number: 2008.1057
Description: Obverse: Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Commodus to right. Inscription in Greek around. Reverse: The young Zeus, nude, stands to the left with thunderbolt and sceptre-staff, an eagle with wings spread at his feet. On the curve below recline the divinities of land and sea, on the right, Gaia with cornucopiae and on the left Thalassa with rudder. In the field, busts of Helios (right) and Selene (left). Inscription in Greek around and in exergue. (see media screen for Greek inscriptions) The flan has two holes for mounting, one plugged.
Provenance/Ownership History: By date unknown: with Frank Sternberg AG, Schanzengasse 10, CH-8001 Zurich, Switerland Auction 11, November 20-21, 1981, lot 268); 1981: purchased by Cornelius C. Vermeule III at Frank Sternberg AG Auction 11; 2004-2008: lent by Cornelius C. Vermeule III to MFA (as L-G 115.2.2004); gift of Cornelius C. Vermeule III to MFA, October 22, 2008
Gift of Cornelius C. Vermeule III