ClassificationsGreek and Roman Art
Intaglio Gem Depicting Attributes of Hermes and the Dioskouroi
Possible OriginSinai, Egypt, Africa
CultureGreek, Ptolemaic
PeriodHellenistic Period
Date1st Century BCE
MediumGarnet group, pyrope
Credit LineGift of the Estate of Michael J. Shubin
Dimensions3/8 x 1/4 x 1/8 in. (1 x 0.7 x 0.3 cm)
Object number2012.032.014
Label TextThe star and conical hat (polos) are common attributes of Castor and Polydeukes, the twin sons of Zeus known collectively as the Dioskouroi. Worshipped together as savior gods, the brothers were closely connected with the royal cult of the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt, where this gem was likely made: Ptolemy II Philadelphos (308-246 BCE) and Ptolemy III Euergetes (284-222 BCE) shared a temple with the Dioskouroi, and their cult may have been established in Alexandria by Philodelphos’s queen, Arsinoe II (c. 316-268 BCE). This implies an amuletic function for the gemstone, enhanced by the addition of Hermes’ herald’s staff (caduceus) at the center of the motif. Like the Dioskouroi, Hermes was worshipped within the Ptolemaic kingdom as the protector of young men and athletes.Exhibition HistoryMaking an Impression: The Art and Craft of Ancient Engraved Gemstones, Michael C. Carlos Museum, August 27 - November 27, 2022
MCCM Permanent Collection Galleries, November 7, 2023 - Present
ProvenanceEx coll. Michael Shubin (1950-2008), Montebello, California.
Status
On viewCollections
- Greek and Roman Art
2nd Century BCE
1st Century BCE
mid 3rd Century BCE
1st Century BCE
2nd Century BCE
1st-3rd Century CE
1st Century BCE
late 1st Century BCE
282-246 BCE
late 2nd Century CE
