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Forceps with baluster-shape handle (one of an eleven-piece set of medical instruments)
Roman, Syria
Imperial Period
2nd-3rd century A.D.
Place of Manufacture: Eastern Mediterranean
Medium/Technique
Bronze with silver and copper inlay
Part of an almost complete set of surgical/medical instruments. While the tools can be dated to the 2nd century AD, they probably were not part of an excavated find such as a doctor's grave, but they seem to be from the same original set or at least workshop.
Part of an almost complete set of surgical/medical instruments. While the tools can be dated to the 2nd century AD, they probably were not part of an excavated find such as a doctor's grave, but they seem to be from the same original set or at least workshop.
Dimensions
Overall: 13.5 x 0.9 cm (5 5/16 x 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase with funds by exchange from the Gift of the Boston Numismatic Society, Gift of Francis Brooks, Gift of Mr. Samuel L. Cabot, Cesnola Collection, Benjamin Pierce Cheney Donation, Gift of Joseph H. Clark, Gift of Miss Helen Collamore, Gift of Mrs. John Templeman Coolidge, Everett Fund, Gift of Henry H. Fay, Gift of Edward Gans, Gift of Mr. Costas E. Goltsos, Gift of Dr. James Grant, Gift of George W. Hammond, Gift of Robert E. Hecht, Gift of Mrs. Edward Jackson Holmes, Julia Bradford Huntington James Fund, Gift of Reginald Jenney, Gift of Mrs. Henry Lyman, Gift of Edward Robinson, Bequest of Miss Rebecca Salisbury, Gift of Mrs. Henry S. Shaw, Augustine Shurtleff Collection of Coins, Storer Collection, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. William deForest Thomson, Gift of Adams Tolman, and Gift of Edwin A. Wyeth, and Classical Deaccession Fund
Accession Number2005.329
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsTools and equipment – Cosmetic and medical
DescriptionPart of a nearly complete set of surgical/medical instruments. While the tools can be dated to the 2nd century AD, they probably were not part of an excavated find such as a doctor's grave, but they seem to be from the same original set or at least workshop.
Forceps with baluster handle. Common type. Fine work of the 2nd cent. AD.
Forceps with baluster handle. Common type. Fine work of the 2nd cent. AD.
ProvenanceProbably by 1912, George Marcopoli, Aleppo, Syria [see note]; until 2005, by descent within the Marcopoli family; June 7, 2005, sale (consigned by the Marcopoli heirs), Sotheby's, New York, lot 46, to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 22, 2005)
NOTE: The Italian Marcopoli family was expelled from Syria in 1912 when war broke out between Italy and the Ottoman Empire. The collection was taken to England by Christie's around the early 1970s but was not sold until 2005.
NOTE: The Italian Marcopoli family was expelled from Syria in 1912 when war broke out between Italy and the Ottoman Empire. The collection was taken to England by Christie's around the early 1970s but was not sold until 2005.