ClassificationsGreek and Roman Art
Cameo with Dog
CultureRoman
PeriodImperial
Date2nd Century CE
Credit LineGift of the Estate of Michael J. Shubin
Dimensions5/16 x 3/8 x 1/8 in. (0.8 x 1 x 0.3 cm)
Object number2008.031.069
Label TextA dog facing left with head slightly raised and tail alert. Groundline.The dog may be a Maltese, which were popular pets in Greece and Rome and seem to have been especially associated with children. Callimachus notes that cradling a Maltese dog was thought to draw out and ease stomach pain, prompting a fashion for carrying Maltese dogs close to one's chest. Wearing an image of the dog on a cameo may have served a similar medicinal purpose.
Published ReferencesFrank Sternberg AG, Zurich, Auktion XXV (25. und 26. November 1991), lot 902.
ProvenanceEx coll. Michael Shubin (1950-2008), Montebello, California, purchased from Frank Sternberg AG, Zurich, Switzerland, Auktion XXV November 25-26, 1991, lot 902.
Status
Not on viewCollections
- Greek and Roman Art
1539-1077 BCE
30 BCE-323 CE
722-332 BCE
2435-2152 BCE
1980-1760 BCE
722-332 BCE
mid 1st Century BCE
1st-mid 2nd Century CE
722-332 BCE
539-479 BCE
