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Oval gem with horse, altar, and eagle on column
Roman
Imperial Period
about A.D. 200
Medium/Technique
Carnelian
Dimensions
Length x width: 12 x 9 mm (1/2 x 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Theodora Wilbour Fund in memory of Zoë Wilbour
Accession Number62.1156
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Gems
DescriptionOrange carnelian. Intaglio. Flat front and back faces with inward back bezel. A diminutive horse stands on a ground line at right facing a column. The column is taller than the horse, and atop it perches an eagle. The eagle faces left with its head cocked towards the horse. In between the horse and the column is an altar with a small flame. The carving lacks detail. A shallow retrograde Greek inscription begins at the right edge of the gem and reads COCIY ("of Sosios"). The carver ran out of room at placed the upsilon directly above the penultimate letter of the inscription.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: Dr. L. Lahut Uzman Collection (according to his records: Sent by Tuba - from Istanbul - Yeni Istanbul store.); 1962: inherited by Mrs. L. Lahut Uzman; December 12, 1962: one of the group of 20 gems (62.1145–62.1164) purchased by MFA from Mrs. L. Lahut Uzman for a total price of $ 2,200-