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Oval gem with Mars Ultor
Roman
Imperial Period
1st–2nd century A.D.
Medium/Technique
Jasper
Dimensions
Length: 13 x 10.67 mm (1/2 x 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
Theodora Wilbour Fund in memory of Zoë Wilbour
Accession Number63.1522
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Gems
DescriptionDark green jasper with red speckles. Intaglio. Flat front and back surfaces with inward back bezel. Mars stands on a ground line, facing right. He wears a crested helmet, cuirass, and cloak, and is bearded. He carries a spear upright in his left hand and rests his right hand on top of his shield. A fair amount of detail is visible in the engraving, such as the individual straps of the pteruges. This is a very popular motif in gems known as the Mars Ultor type, or Mars the Avenger.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: with Euripides Sepheriades; purchased by MFA from Euripides Sepheriades, October 17, 1963