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An intaglio black, hematite object in the shape of a cylinder. It is engraved with an image of a standing person wearing a long skirt and a headpiece and a small bird next to them. There are other engravings that wrap around the sides.

An intaglio black, hematite object in the shape of a cylinder. It stands upright on a grey background and it is flat on the ends. It is engraved with an image of a standing person facing the viewer’s right and wearing a long skirt and a headpiece. There is also a small bird next to them on the top-left. There are other engravings that wrap around the sides.

Identification and Creation

Object Number
1993.185
Title
Cylinder Seal: Presentation Scene; Stags
Other Titles
Alternate Title: Cylinder seal: King in Ceremonial Robes Approaches the Storm God [H]adad
Classification
Seals
Work Type
seal
Date
1850-1600 BCE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Asia, Syria
Period
Old Syrian period
Culture
Mitannian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/292631

Location

Location
Level 3, Room 3440, Ancient Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Art, Ancient Middle Eastern Art in the Service of Kings
View this object's location on our interactive map

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Hematite
Technique
Intaglio
Dimensions
H: 2.4cm; Diam. 1.1cm

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Marcopoli collection, Aleppo, (by 1984). McLendon collection, (by 1993), sold; [through Christie's, New York, June 14, 1993, lot 147], sold; to Harvard University Art Museums, 1993.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Marian H. Phinney Fund
Accession Year
1993
Object Number
1993.185
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Description
A king in a round cap and fringed robe, one hand raised, approaches the Storm God, who holds a lightning bolt and steps on a bull; suppliant goddess with clasped hands behind the king; the bird, Egyptian ankh symbol, human head, and rampant lion are later Syrian additions.

Exhibition History

  • Impressions of Mesopotamia: Seals from the Ancient Near East, Arthur M. Sackler Museum
  • 32Q: 3440 Middle East, Harvard Art Museums, 11/16/2014 - 01/01/2050

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu