ClassificationsGreek and Roman Art
Intaglio Gem Depicting Diomedes Stealing the Palladium
CultureRoman
Date1st Century CE
Credit LineGift of the Estate of Michael J. Shubin
Dimensions3/8 x 1/16 x 1/2 in. (1 x 0.2 x 1.3 cm)
Object number2012.032.134
Label TextThe device of this intaglio depicts the Greek hero Diomedes capturing the Trojan Palladium, a sacred statue of the goddess Athena on which the safety of Troy depended. It was this episode that led to the city’s destruction and ultimately to the founding of Rome: according to myth, the Trojan hero Aeneas escaped Troy and carried the Palladium to the site of the future city, where it remained in the Temple of Vesta. The episode was consequently promoted as part of Augustus’ program of political propaganda, leading to a proliferation of images of Diomedes on late first-century BCE gems.Exhibition HistoryMaking an Impression: The Art and Craft of Ancient Engraved Gemstones, Michael C. Carlos Museum, August 27 - November 27, 2022
ProvenanceEx coll. Michael Shubin (1950-2008), Montebello, California, acquired from Joel Malter (1931-2006) [Joel L. Malter & Co., Inc.], Los Angeles, California, May 7, 2006
Status
Not on viewCollections
- Greek and Roman Art
late 1st Century BCE-1st Century CE
early 4th Century BCE
1st Century BCE
19th Century
ca. 77-78 CE
4th Century BCE
2nd Century BCE
2nd-3rd Century CE
1st-2nd Century CE
late 1st Century BCE-1st Century CE
