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Unknown Maker, Roman

Intaglio inscribed "Dioskourides"
Now On View

Maker

Unknown Maker, Roman

Culture

Roman

Title

Intaglio inscribed "Dioskourides"

Year

ca. 30-20 BCE

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

Quartz crystal

Geography

Archaeological Site: Kertsch

Dimensions

Length: 1.9 cm (3/4 inches)

Signature / Inscription / Marks

Signed by Dioskourides.

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Museum Appropriation Fund

Object Number

25.094

Type

Publications

Articles

Written in Gems

Exhibition History

Ancient Greek and Roman Galleries
Sep 22, 2010

Label copy

In Greek and Roman society, carved gemstones called intaglios functioned as personal signatures. The stones could be pressed into a small bit of clay or wax to form a reverse impression; the result would be affixed to documents to indicate the owner’s involvement with the associated material. A broad range of icons were chosen as personal marks. In later periods, intaglio carvings became valued for their aesthetic beauty and material value, and many Emperors formed large collections of the gems. Collecting intaglios remained popular throughout much of European history. Our “Dioskourides” intaglio, once attributed to a famous gem carver of classical Rome, is now thought to be a product of early modern Europe.

Image use

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Public Domain This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Unknown Maker, Roman
Intaglio inscribed "Dioskourides", ca. 30-20 BCE
Rock crystal
Length: 1.9 cm (3/4 inches)
Museum Appropriation Fund 25.094

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