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Identification and Creation

Object Number
2012.1.20
Title
Gold Scarab
Other Titles
Former Title: Four Gold Scarabs
Classification
Jewelry
Work Type
jewelry
Date
4th-2nd century BCE
Period
Classical period, Late, to Hellenistic
Culture
Etruscan
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/340062

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Gold
Dimensions
1 x 0.8 x 0.2 cm (3/8 x 5/16 x 1/16 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
The Alice Corinne McDaniel Collection, Department of the Classics, Harvard University (before 1952-2012), transfer; to the Harvard Art Museums, 2012.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Transfer from the Alice Corinne McDaniel Collection, Department of the Classics, Harvard University
Accession Year
2012
Object Number
2012.1.20
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Description
One of a set of four similar gold scarabs. This scarab, which may be a pair with 2012.1.18, has a convex back with two small raised dots for eyes, a horizontal register of a thick line surrounded by a thinner line, with the rest of the body covered by thin vertical lines to indicate the wings. The underside, which is concave, bears an incuse depiction of a stylized bird in profile, facing to the left. The remains of a coiled spring are visible at the top, possibly part of a hinge or used for suspension. The scarab is slightly dented, and the edges have slightly separated on the underside.
Commentary
Scarabs, made of a variety of materials, including metal and faience, originally appeared in ancient Egypt where they were associated with the rising sun. Similar gold scarabs with classical motifs on their undersides have been found in Italy and dated to the 4th century BCE, thus illustrating the longevity and widespread use of scarabs as decoration.

Publication History

  • John Crawford, Sidney Goldstein, George M. A. Hanfmann, John Kroll, Judith Lerner, Miranda Marvin, Charlotte Moore, and Duane Roller, Objects of Ancient Daily Life. A Catalogue of the Alice Corinne McDaniel Collection Belonging to the Department of the Classics, Harvard University, ed. Jane Waldbaum, Department of the Classics (unpublished manuscript, 1970), M200, p. 215 [J. S. Crawford]

Exhibition History

  • 32Q: 2700 Impressionism, Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, 09/27/2018 - 02/07/2019

Related Works

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