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Pseudo-scarab with a running warrior and a siren on the back
Italic, Etruscan
Late Archaic Period
500–480 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Banded agate
Dimensions
Thickness x Width x length: 0.6 x 1 x 1.2 cm (1/4 x 3/8 x 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Bartlett Collection—Museum purchase with funds from the Francis Bartlett Donation of 1912
Accession Number27.719
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Scarabs and scaraboids
Catalogue Raisonné
Lewes House Gems, no. 044 (1920; 2002).
DescriptionBrown and white banded agate. Pseudo-scarab with a flat, oval base engraved in intaglio; pierced lengthwise. Fully-armored warrior in profile running to left and looking back. His right arm holds a shield and his left a spear. He wears a crested helmet, corslet and short tunic. Pellet border. Back carved as a siren wearing a chiton with arms bent over the abdomen, legs folded up and detailed wings. Offset plinth.
ProvenanceBy 1909: with Edward Perry Warren (according to J. D. Beazley, The Lewes House Collection of Ancient Gems, no. 44: bought in Rome, 1909); April 5, 1926: loaned to MFA by Edward Perry Warren (as 112.26); November 17, 1927: purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren for $ 161,000.00 (this figure is the total price for MFA 27.647-27.761)