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Round gem with bust of soldier
Greek
Hellenistic Period
late 2nd–early 1st century B.C.
Medium/Technique
Sard?
Dimensions
Length x width: 19 x 16 mm (3/4 x 5/8 in.)
Credit Line
Hay Collection—Gift of C. Granville Way
Accession Number72.863
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Gems
DescriptionIntaglio. Set in ancient(?) bronze setting. Slightly convex. Motif carved on flat side. Bust of a man, facing right, wearing Baktrian-type helmet with a long plume, long flowing hair, a cuirass, and cape(?) tied around his neck, with ends sticking out. Overlying his shoulder, a shield with a star device. Gem is cracked and/or broken and repaired.
ProvenanceBy 1836: Robert Hay Collection, Linplum, Scotland; 1863: to his son, Robert James Alexander Hay; 1868-1872: Way Collection, Boston (purchased by Samuel A. Way through London dealers Rollin and Feuardent, 27 Haymarket); 1872: given to the MFA by Samuel's son, C. Granville Way.