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© Bruce M. White, 2010.
Intaglio with Warrior Contemplating a Decapitated Head
© Bruce M. White, 2010.
© Bruce M. White, 2010.
© Bruce M. White, 2010.
ClassificationsGreek and Roman Art

Intaglio with Warrior Contemplating a Decapitated Head

AAT Object Form/Functiongems (worked stones)
AAT Object Techniqueintaglios (sculptural objects)
AAT Object Form/Functionfigures (representations)
CultureItalic
Date2nd Century BCE
Credit LineGift of the Estate of Michael J. Shubin
Dimensions7/16 x 5/16 x 1/16 in. (1.1 x 0.8 x 0.2 cm)
Object number2008.031.015
Label TextA nude and bearded warrior wearing a crested helmet and carrying a shield over his shoulder stands in three-quarter profile over the decapitated body of a defeated enemy. He rests his one foot on its chest and gazes at the severed head, held in his upraised hand. Hatched border.

This was a common motif on Etruscan and Italic glytic. Sometimes referred to as a scene of maschalismos (mutilation of the enemy dead), it may represent a specific episode from the Seven Against Thebes in which the dying Tydeus orders Amphilaraos to bring hiim the head of Melanippos, whom he had killed in battle. The Theban myth cycle was especially popular on Etruscan gems, often with unique iconographies not borrowed from Greek glyptic.
ProvenanceEx coll. Michael Shubin (1950-2008), Montebello, California, purchased from Frank Sternberg AG, Zurich, Switzerland, November 7 or 8, 1994.
Status
Not on view
Collections
  • Greek and Roman Art