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© Bruce M. White, 2004.
ClassificationsGreek and Roman Art

Portrait Head, Perhaps of Berenike II

CultureGreek, Ptolemaic
PeriodHellenistic
Datemid 3rd Century BCE
MediumGarnet group, almandine
Credit LineGift of Drs. Ann and Robert S. Walzer through the Nathan Rubin - Ida Ladd Family Foundation
Dimensions9/16 x 7/16 x 1/2 in. (1.4 x 1.1 x 1.2 cm)
Object number2002.004.001
Label TextCarved from garnet, this miniature portrait head probably depicts Berenike II (ruled 246-221 BCE), wife of Ptolemy III of Egypt (ruled 246-221 BCE). A tradition of royal gem portraiture flourished at the Ptolemaic court, both in the form of engraved gems and miniature sculpture in precious stone. The Ptolemies were especially fond of using garnets, with more than fifty surviving portraits. These gems were likely produced in official workshops and given to high officials and military leaders, promulgating the authority of the royal image and cult. This head may have been mounted at the center of a pendant, or perhaps completed a bust in a different material.
Exhibition HistoryRoyal Portraits and the Hellenistic Kingdoms, Robin Symes, Ltd., New York, New York, November 30 - December 3, 1999
MCCM Permanent Collection Reinstallation, September 2004 - June 24, 2013
MCCM Permanent Collection Reinstallation, October 28, 2013 - January 2022
Making an Impression: The Art and Craft of Ancient Engraved Gemstones, Michael C. Carlos Museum, August 27 - November 27, 2022
MCCM Permanent Collection Galleries, February 7, 2023 - March 14, 2023
MCCM Permanent Collection Galleries, May 2, 2023 - September 21, 2023
MCCM Permanent Collection Galleries, November 7, 2023 - Present
Published ReferencesRobin Symes, Royal Portraits and the Hellenistic Kingdoms (London: Robin Symes, 1999), number 15.
Advert for Royal Portraits and the Hellenistic Kingdoms, Apollo (November 1999): 7-8.
Sotheby's New York, Antiquities (December 7, 2001), lot 85, back cover illustration.
MCCM Newsletter, March - May 2002.
Jasper Gaunt, "New Galleries of Greek & Roman Art at Emory University: The Michael C. Carlos Museum," Minerva 16 (January/February 2005): 13-17.
Susan Jaques, A Love for the Beautiful: Discovering America's Hidden Art Museums (Guilford: Globe Pequot Press, 2012), 41.
ProvenanceEx private collection, Europe. With Robin Symes, New York, New York, 1999. Ex coll. Morris J. Pinto (1925-2009), New York, New York. Purchased by MCCM from Sotheby's New York, December 7, 2001, Lot 85.
Status
On view
Collections
  • Greek and Roman Art