Advanced Search 
Round gem with dwarf killing grasshopper
Roman
Republican Period
1st century B.C.
Medium/Technique
Carnelian
Dimensions
Length: 11 mm (7/16 in.)
Credit Line
Bartlett Collection—Museum purchase with funds from the Francis Bartlett Donation of 1912
Accession Number13.239
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Gems
DescriptionIntaglio. Flat front, convex back. A dwarf killing a large bug. The dwarf is bearded and emaciated and has a long phallus. He steps forward with his right leg and stand on one of the bug's antennae with his left foot. A large grasshopper or locust(?) is on its back with its head at the dwarf's feet. The dwarf holds one of the bug's hairy legs in his right hand while stabbing the belly of the bug with a short sword. The body of the bug is decorated with a chevron pattern connected by a central spinal line.
ProvenanceFrom the Boulton Collection, sold at auction, Dec. 12th, 1911, according to Warren's records; purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren, January 2, 1913, for $18,948.70 (this figure is the total price for MFA 13.186-13.245)