1986.568: Scaraboid Stamp Seal: Horseman Spearing a Falling Man

Identification and Creation

Object Number

1986.568

Title

Scaraboid Stamp Seal: Horseman Spearing a Falling Man

Classification

Seals

Work Type

seal

Date

500-300 BCE

Period

Classical period

Culture

Achaemenid

Persistent Link

https://hvrd.art/o/289090

Physical Descriptions

Medium

Gray chalcedony

Technique

Intaglio

Dimensions

1.4 x 1.6 x 0.8 cm (9/16 x 5/8 x 5/16 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History

Damon Mezzacappa, gift; to the Harvard Art Museum, 1986.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line

Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Damon Mezzacappa

Accession Year

1986

Object Number

1986.568

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Contact

am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu

Permissions

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Descriptions

Description

This chalcedony scaraboid stamp seal features an image of a mounted warrior attacking a felled opponent. The carving of the horse is shallow, save for the swells of its chest and hindquarters. Its front legs are raised some, as if about to trample the fallen man. The rider wears a pointed cap, and in his upraised hand he holds a spear. His opponent lies on his back with his knees bent. He raises one hand to meet the spear pointed at this head.

The lack of detail makes it difficult identify the figures in this scene. There is, however, a handful of seals showing Persian riders attacking opponents on foot (1); this seal is likely similar.

NOTE

1. E.g., J. Boardman, Greek Gems and Finger Rings: Early Bronze Age to Late Classical (London, 1970) fig. 310, nos. 881, 974.

Verification Level