ClassificationsGreek and Roman Art
Sealing Depicting Cupid Tormenting a Centaur
AAT Object Form/Functionfigures (representations)
AAT Object Form/Functionstamps (marks)
AAT Object Techniqueimpressed relief (technique)
CultureRoman
PeriodImperial
Date1st Century CE
MediumTerracotta
Credit LineGift of the Estate of Michael J. Shubin
Dimensions5/8 x 9/16 x 1/16 in. (1.6 x 1.4 x 0.2 cm)
Object number2012.033.084
Label TextThe image impressed on this clay sealing closely replicates the iconography of a marble sculpture recovered from Hadrian’s villa at Tivoli, which itself likely replicates a celebrated Greek bronze of the later 2nd century BCE. Likely from the imperial Roman town of Doliche (in modern Turkey), the sealing gives evidence for the diffusion of images across time, space, and media. It also indicates how a gem motif might be selected to proclaim a refined Roman identity, one versed in Greek art and poetry, to all who saw the sealing and the seal that impressed it.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 April 5, 1996.
Status
Not on viewCollections
- Greek and Roman Art
late 1st Century BCE
1st Century CE
early 3rd Century CE
1st Century CE
1st Century CE
ca. 14 - 37 CE
1st Century CE
1st Century CE
1st Century BCE
2nd Century CE
1st Century CE
