Dioscurus
Statuette
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
This is a Graeco-Roman statuette in chalcedony set on a pedstal of red carnelian. This statuette represents Dioscurus in miniature size.
The art of engraving gemstones can be traced back to ancient Greece in the 8th century BC and earlier. Techniques passed down to the Egyptians and then to the Romans. There were major revivals of interest in engraved gems in Europe during the Byzantine era, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and again in the 18th and 19th centuries. At each stage cameos and intaglios, these skillful carvings on a minute scale, were much prized and collected, sometimes as symbols of power mounted in jewelled settings, sometimes as small objects for private devotion or enjoyment.
The art of engraving gemstones can be traced back to ancient Greece in the 8th century BC and earlier. Techniques passed down to the Egyptians and then to the Romans. There were major revivals of interest in engraved gems in Europe during the Byzantine era, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and again in the 18th and 19th centuries. At each stage cameos and intaglios, these skillful carvings on a minute scale, were much prized and collected, sometimes as symbols of power mounted in jewelled settings, sometimes as small objects for private devotion or enjoyment.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Title | Dioscurus (popular title) |
Materials and techniques | Chalcedony on pedestal of red carnelian. |
Brief description | Statuette, Chalcedony, of Dioscurus, Graeco-Roman |
Physical description | Statuette of Dioscurus in miniature size. Short cloak hanging over left shoulder and down back. Helmet or cap. |
Dimensions |
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Style | |
Subject depicted | |
Summary | This is a Graeco-Roman statuette in chalcedony set on a pedstal of red carnelian. This statuette represents Dioscurus in miniature size. The art of engraving gemstones can be traced back to ancient Greece in the 8th century BC and earlier. Techniques passed down to the Egyptians and then to the Romans. There were major revivals of interest in engraved gems in Europe during the Byzantine era, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and again in the 18th and 19th centuries. At each stage cameos and intaglios, these skillful carvings on a minute scale, were much prized and collected, sometimes as symbols of power mounted in jewelled settings, sometimes as small objects for private devotion or enjoyment. |
Bibliographic references |
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Collection | |
Accession number | 261-1874 |
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Record created | January 5, 2004 |
Record URL |
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