ClassificationsGreek and Roman Art
Intaglio Gem Depicting Cupid Driving a Two-Horse Chariot
CultureRoman
PeriodImperial
Date2nd Century CE
Credit LineGift of the Estate of Michael J. Shubin
Dimensions7/16 x 9/16 x 1/16 in. (1.1 x 1.4 x 0.2 cm)
Object number2008.031.321
Label TextImages of cupids riding chariots drawn by a variety of animals are hugely popular in Roman art, including on engraved gemstones. The iconography draws on a common metaphor in Greek and Latin poetry that presents Love as the charioteer of men’s souls (e.g. Lucretius De rerum natura 4.1079-85; Ovid Amores 3.2, Ars amatoria 2.725-34). Gems bearing such motifs may have been given as love tokens.Exhibition HistoryMonsters, Demons & Winged Beasts: Composite Creatures in the Ancient World, Michael C. Carlos Museum, February 5 - June 19, 2011
Making an Impression: The Art and Craft of Ancient Engraved Gemstones, Michael C. Carlos Museum, August 27 - November 27, 2022
Published ReferencesJesus Vico, S.A., Subasta Numismatica No 103 (November 13, 2003), 8, 62, lot 899.
ProvenanceWith Jesus Vico, S.A., Madrid, Spain, November 13, 2003, lot 899. Ex coll. Michael Shubin (1950-2008), Montebello, California, purchased from Jesus Vico, March 3, 2005.
Status
Not on viewCollections
- Greek and Roman Art
mid to late 2nd century CE
late 1st Century BCE
1st Century CE
1st Century BCE
2nd Century CE
1st Century BCE-1st Century CE
