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Scarab with a warrior (Achle/Achilles?)
Italic, Etruscan
Classical Period
450–400 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Banded agate
Dimensions
Length: 14 mm (9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Catharine Page Perkins Fund
Accession Number95.79
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Scarabs and scaraboids
DescriptionWhite, gray and brown banded agate. Scarab with a flat, oval base engraved in intaglio; pierced lengthwise. Nude warrior (Achle/Achilles?) in profile to left holding a crested helmet in his right hand, and a shield and spear in the other. A rocky formation in front of his feet. Hatched border. Back carved as a beetle over a plinth with a tongue pattern. Hatched line around the thorax and two raised lines between the elytra. Plastic legs with spined front legs.
ProvenanceAccording to Warren's records: by date unknown: Howel Wills Collection, Florence; sold at Christie's, Feb. 1894, as lot 115; purchased at Christie's sale by Edward Perry Warren; 1895: purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren for $ 29,857.37 (this figure is the total price for MFA 95.9-95.174)