ClassificationsGreek and Roman Art
Intaglio Gem Depicting a Sow
CultureRoman
PeriodFlavian
Dateca. 77-78 CE
Credit LineGift of the Estate of Michael J. Shubin
Dimensions9/16 x 3/8 x 3/16 in. (1.4 x 1 x 0.5 cm)
Object number2012.032.029
Label TextThe image of a sow standing left appears on a series of silver coins minted in Rome in 77-78 CE under Vespasian (9-79 CE). The motif may recall the legend of Aeneas being shown the location of the future city of Rome by a sow and her piglets (Virgil Aeneid 3.424-428; 8.53-55), but it also recalls the symbol of the Tenth Legion in Jerusalem, and so signifies Rome’s victory in the First Jewish War (69-73 CE). On a gem, the motif likely acted as a good luck charm. Mined at Eskişehir in western Anatolia, green chromium chalcedony stones enjoyed a limited period of popularity between the late 1st century BCE and the early 2nd century CE. They were especially popular mounted in gold rings. More common and easier to carve, the gem may have been a substitute for emerald.
Exhibition HistoryMaking an Impression: The Art and Craft of Ancient Engraved Gemstones, Michael C. Carlos Museum, August 27 - November 27, 2022
Published ReferencesFred L. Gray, "Engraved Gems: A Historical Perspective," Gems & Gemology (Winter 1983): 197, figure 9.
ProvenanceSaid to be ex Joseph Brummer (1883-1947), New York, New York. Ex coll. Melvin Gutman, New York, New York. Ex coll. Hubert H. Weiser (1908-1989), Los Angeles, California, purchased from Gutman, 1955. Ex coll. Michael Shubin (1950-2008), Montebello, California, by 1983.
InscribedM-I-E
Status
Not on viewCollections
- Greek and Roman Art
late 1st Century BCE-early 1st Century CE
1st Century BCE
3rd Century CE
early 3rd Century CE
1st Century CE
second half 1st Century BCE
3rd Century CE
