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Oval gem with head of a satyr
Roman
Imperial Period
late 1st century B.C.–mid 1st century A.D.
Medium/Technique
Carnelian
Dimensions
Overall: 0.3 x 1.4 x 0.9 cm (1/8 x 9/16 x 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Bartlett Collection—Museum purchase with funds from the Francis Bartlett Donation of 1912
Accession Number23.588
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Gems
Catalogue Raisonné
Lewes House Gems, no. 106 (1920; 2002, additional published references).
DescriptionBrownish carnelian (also called sard). Intaglio. Very slightly convex front with flat back; inward back bezel and short inward front bezel. Profile bust of a satyr looking left. The satyr’s ear, which is that of a horse, is buried in his wavy, wild hair. He bears a smiling, mischievous expression. A cloak-like garment (nebris) is slung over his shoulders and tied in front of his neck.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: with Edward Perry Warren (according to J. D. Beazley, The Lewes House Collection of Ancient Gems, no. 106: Bought from Rhousopoulos, who said it came from Asia Minor.); November 21, 1923: purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren for $ 32,948.27 (this figure is the total purchase price for MFA 23.576-23.594)