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Oval gem with bust of Athena Lemnia

Roman
Republican or Imperial Period
1st century B.C.–1st century A.D.

Medium/Technique Carnelian
Dimensions Length: 14 mm (9/16 in.)
Credit Line Henry Lillie Pierce Fund
Accession Number98.737
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsJewelry / AdornmentGems

DescriptionIntaglio. Flat on both sides. Set in modern gold bezel and hoop ring. Bust of Athena, bareheaded, faces left, with torso depicted in frontal three-quarter view and head in profile. Her wavy hair is pulled back into a low bun and she has a roll of hair that frames her face, and covers part of her ears and forehead. She wears the aegis, with a vertical row of circles descending from her right shoulder, possibly meant to indicate snakes. Hovering in the field over her right shoulder, a crested Corinthian helmet.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: with Edward Perry Warren (according to his records: from the Beckford and Short Collections and Morrison sale, no. 71); 1898: purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren for $ 69,618.13 (this figure is the total price for MFA 98.641-98.940)