Intaglio: Bearded Male Head | Harvard Art Museums

Identification and Creation

Object Number: 2012.1.148
Title: Intaglio: Bearded Male Head
Classification: Gems
Work Type: gem
Date: 1st-4th Century
Period: Roman Imperial period
Culture: Roman
Persistent Link: https://hvrd.art/o/76720

Physical Descriptions

Medium: Agate
Technique: Intaglio
Dimensions: 1.4 cm (9/16 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History: Eleftherios Sossidi, Hamburg, (between 1955-65 - 1990's), sold; [through Sotheby's sale 7742, New York, December 7, 2001, lot 314]; to The Alice Corinne McDaniel Collection, Department of the Classics, Harvard University (2001-2012), transfer; to the Harvard Art Museums, 2012.

Note: E. Sossidi (1913-1992) worked in Cairo from 1958-1968.

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: 2012.1.148
Division: Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact: am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Description: Banded agate intaglio, carved on only one side, with the head of a bearded man, facing left, head covered by a veil. There is a symbol, perhaps a scythe, behind his head.
Commentary: The veil covering the man's head indicates that he is a priest or is performing some type of religious function.

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

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